As the arrival of spring approaches, many Americans are already experiencing the dreaded symptoms of allergies. Doctors have reported a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for severe allergy symptoms, even before the official start of allergy season. Experts attribute this early onset to rising pollen counts, possibly fueled by milder winters and warmer temperatures.

Residents in various states have noted that their allergies have intensified earlier than usual, with allergy season typically starting in April. National data reveals that states in the southern region, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, have been particularly affected by what experts refer to as "pollen bombs."

Pollen.com, a provider of national allergy forecasts and pollen counts, indicates that 22 percent of the country is currently experiencing a "medium" level of allergens. However, individuals on the East Coast and in the Midwest have also reported earlier-than-expected allergy symptoms. Warmer temperatures have been identified as a contributing factor, with meteorologists noting a shift in pollination patterns.

Experts have observed unusual occurrences, such as tree pollen being detected as early as February in Ohio instead of the typical date in April. Dr. Tiffany Owens from the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center expressed surprise at the early onset, mentioning that patients may not be adequately prepared to manage their allergies. This sentiment is echoed by a study conducted this year, which found that pollen seasons are commencing approximately 20 days earlier than in 1990, accompanied by a 21 percent increase in pollen levels.

Scientists suggest that these changes can be attributed to higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), which stimulate greater pollen release. Additionally, evidence indicates that the length of allergy season is extending, posing a higher risk for individuals affected by allergies.

Notably, this phenomenon is not confined to the current year. A report by Climate Central last year revealed that allergy seasons have lengthened by an average of 15 days across 200 cities since 1970. Reno, Nevada, experienced the most substantial increase with a 99-day extension of their allergy season. Other severely impacted cities include Bend, Oregon, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, with their respective allergy seasons prolonging by 83 days and 73 days.

Approximately 81 million Americans, representing 26 percent of adults and 19 percent of children, have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in three adults and one in four children report having some form of seasonal allergy, eczema, or food allergy. The AAFA notes that allergies rank as the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the United States.

To mitigate pollen exposure, healthcare professionals recommend keeping windows in homes and cars shut, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen times, using air purifiers, and considering the use of masks. However, individuals are advised to consult with allergists and healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

As allergy season arrives earlier and persists longer, millions of Americans are bracing themselves for heightened discomfort in the coming months. Allergy sufferers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to alleviate their symptoms and maintain their quality of life during this challenging time.