Harvest season causing heightened allergies

Allergies are flaring up this time year because of the harvest. Harvest season started a couple of weeks ago, and people are already feeling the irritation in the air.

“I’ve seen in the last couple of weeks a real increase in the number of patients coming in with allergen-type symptoms. And I think a lot of them think they have a cold when they come because they have the runny nose, are sneezing a lot, maybe even coughing, maybe some chest tightness if it’s triggering some asthma,” said Mountian View Hospital family physician Dr. Rebecca Adams.

Crops are looking great this year, but barley, hay, and wheat cause a burst in allergens when harvested and can increase symptoms.

“It’s hard if you want to be out and about because you’ll be exposed to the allergens. But if you can try to avoid being outdoors on windy days when the allergens will be stirred up, which is hard in Idaho that’s pretty much almost all the time,” Adams said.

To beat nose or eye symptoms, over-the-counter drugs are the best option.

“If the symptoms are more respiratory, a cough or chest tightness and wheezing, you probably do need to get in and see a doctor for that to make sure it’s not stirring up asthma or that it isn’t pneumonia or something more serious,” said Adams.

Be sure to wash your face and hair before going to bed. The allergens on your body that were collected through the day will make your symptoms worsen at night.

Harvest season happens from now until the end of October, so stock up on allergy medication and be prepared for the next couple of months.