Does more snow mean fewer allergies for Coloradans this year? Not exactly.

Snow staying on the ground helps keep pollen levels down, so the good news is that this year’s allergy season is starting later.

The bad news is that a wetter season means more vegetation growth and more pollen from trees, grasses and weeds in the air, so the Yampa Valley could experience a wet season. Difficult allergies, according to clinicians.

The late start gives allergy sufferers more time to prepare, which is essential because allergy medications need to be taken two to three weeks in advance to be most effective, said allergy specialist Dr Rebin Kader. allergies and immunology at the UCHealth Allergy and Immunology Clinic in Cherry Creek.

“The treatment of allergies is mainly a preventive treatment. So treat before exposure to prevent allergic reactions from occurring in the first place,” Kader said.

A common way to treat allergies is to use nasal sprays, but the doctor said 99.9% of people misuse these sprays by holding the bottle upright and spraying towards the eyes when the sprays should be held horizontally relative to the nostril and sprayed backwards to direct it. The allergist also recommends cleaning congested nasal passages first with a saline spray before using an allergy spray.

“I recommend using nasal sprays in the morning and a few hours before bedtime two to three weeks before allergies strike,” Kader said, noting that allergy medications need to be used regularly and consistently to work.

According to American Asthma and Allergy Foundation, about 81 million people in the United States were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, in 2021. That equates to about 26% of adults and 19% of children.

April through September is the general time for seasonal allergies, but this year allergies in the Yampa Valley are expected to hit hard in May. Allergy season begins with wind-blown tree pollen, then progresses with grasses, weeds and molds throughout summer and fall with a short break in June or July, said Kader.

“Once the weather starts to warm up, we see an influx of people coming to the clinic because they start experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms,” said Dr. Mohini Pathria, who also works at the clinic. Cherry Creek allergies.

Wind and dry weather make allergies worse, so Kader advises closing doors and windows on windy days to reduce the amount of pollen coming indoors, which can settle in carpets and fabrics.

Conversely, humid conditions can lead to allergies due to mold growth, which can develop within 48 hours. Kader recommends monitoring indoor humidity levels and keeping them below 50% humidity to reduce mold.

Homeowners can purchase an inexpensive hygrometer or water vapor monitor. Dust mites and cockroaches also like humid conditions, which can lead to more allergies.

“Mites live by absorbing moisture in environments, so reduce humidity to reduce dust mites,” Kader said.

While many Yampa Valley homeowners struggle with flooding or snowmelt seepage, Kader said it’s best to try to drain and dry out wet crawl spaces as much as possible, then close. or sealing crawl space access in the home to prevent mold spores from entering living spaces.

Kader loves dogs, but he also knows they can bring outdoor pollens and indoor allergens. He advises wiping pooches after walks through grass and weeds. Humans can also remove clothes that have been exposed to outdoor pollens and keep those dirty clothes out of the bedroom.

Cat allergies are difficult to combat because cat dander can stay in a home for up to six months and stick to clothing and bedding. People allergic to cats should wash clothes and bedding in hot water and keep cats away from beds and bedrooms.

A HEPA air filter can help remove cat dander, and a HEPA-level vacuum can also be beneficial, especially during times when pets are shedding.

People with allergies may need to be evaluated with skin prick or blood draw tests to see what’s causing their symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, cough, itchy eyes or skin or wheezing. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD or heart failure may need to be careful about controlling their allergies, Kader said.

A newer treatment for environmental allergies is sublingual immunotherapy available as tablets that dissolve under the tongue.

“The goal of allergen immunotherapy is for people to develop increased tolerance and decreased symptoms to what they are sensitized to that triggers their symptoms,” Pathria said. “Over time, once their tolerance improves, they may be able to reduce or even stop their medications.”

Patients should be tested for allergies from April through August when they show more symptoms, Kader said. The UCHealth Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic in Steamboat Springs can perform 60 environmental tests such as for trees, weeds, grass, mold, certain animal dander, and dust mites.

To reach Suzie Romig, call 970-871-4205 or email [email protected].