Spring season brings flowers ... and pollen ... and allergies

Allergy season is now underway, according to news reports, and as climate change continues, it means that the season of pollen may be lasting longer and longer across different regions of the country.

In April so far, many regions of the United States seem to have been spared the respiratory onslaught suffered last year -- perhaps because of a generally wetter spring season delaying certain tree species’ pollen release.

Don’t breathe easy just yet, though -- the San Jose Mercury News reports that, at least in its neck of the woods, pollen season is expected to peak in May.

In case you’re wondering how bad your area’s allergy sufferers might have it, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released the 2011 list of 100 “most challenging” cities to live in with allergies.

Miserable (and inevitable-seeming) as runny noses, itchy throats and teary eyes may be, there are ways to allergy-proof your house, the Mayo Clinic says. And you can always check pollen counts in your area at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology website.

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