Why allergy season here is one of the worst

Coughing, sniffling and sneezing is not uncommon this time of year, especially if you’re someone that suffers from seasonal allergies.

I am no stranger to these symptoms, nor do I care for how they make me feel.

When I moved to the Miami Valley, I was told by several people about how bad the allergies are in this part of the country. I’m not sure I believed what I was hearing until I experienced my first spring and summer.

To no surprise, a study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) found the Dayton Area to be one of the worst “allergy capitals” in the country.

During an interview with this news outlet a few years ago, a doctor in Vandalia, Dr. Joseph Allen, stated the reason allergies are so terrible in this part of Ohio is because of the high concentration of plants and trees that bloom simultaneously. The number of pollen spores in the air can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers.

Tree pollen tends to be the biggest culprit for allergies this time of year. Counts typically reach their peak during the month of April.

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Tree pollen can continue to be a problem into the month of May, but is quickly accompanied by the dramatic increase in grass pollen. It’s during the months of May, June and July that grass pollen reaches its highest count.

As we enter the driest months of the year — August, September and October — ragweed becomes the greatest problem for allergy sufferers.

In addition to tree, grass and ragweed, mold spores can be very high in this part of the country, too. It’s somewhat of a juxtaposition as dry days are favorable for high pollen, while rain can increase the mold count. So which you suffer from all depends on what the weather is like that day and the days following.

Dry days with breezy conditions can increase the pollen count dramatically on any given day. The forecast for the start of this week continues to be prime for high pollen counts. Rain expected by the end of the week may help to bring down the count, but only as dry conditions are expected to return by the end of the weekend.

Of course, there are several ways to combat allergies. Other than taking medication to alleviate the symptoms, here are things you can do to minimize exposure:

■ Close the windows. This will help to keep any pollen from blowing into your home.

■ Take a shower after coming indoors. This one may not be as easy, but perhaps cleaning up before bed would keep you from bringing the pollen into your sheets.

■ Don’t forget your pets. They can hold pollen in their fur and bring them into your home. Giving them a quick wipe down after being outside would help a lot.

■ Know your risk. Getting tested to see which allergies you suffer from may help you to prepare. Contact this reporter at 937259-2359 or email mccall. vrydaghs@cmgohio.com.