Expert Alert: Is the warm weather extending allergy suffering?

Cities across the country are experiencing unseasonably warm weather, which may be causing a spike in allergy symptoms. Instead of snow this year, there has been lots of rain and moisture, and that leads to an increase in mold and mildew and the exacerbation of allergy symptoms.

“Normally, fall allergy season comes to a close in mid-fall,” says allergist Jana Tuck, MD, spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “People may go off their allergy medications at that time, thinking their symptoms are wrapping up. Then if it gets unexpectedly warm, and mold counts go up, they don’t start their meds quickly enough and their symptoms worsen.

What's happening in the pacific coast may have an impact on what's going on in the rest of the US. This is one of the strongest El-Nino's on record, and because of that, there is mild weather across the eastern half of the country. That can be worse for asthma patients due to a weather-induced increase in mold growth and dust mites.

Additionally, some people are sensitive to the change in season, and that can irritate them. Barometric press changes can cause headaches and exacerbations in asthma.

Dr. Tuck, who is based in Cape Girardeau, MO, is available for interviews on the topic of how the extension of warm weather is affecting allergy sufferers.