When it comes to allergies, pollen is often the most obvious culprit, and springtime the most obvious season, for many allergy sufferers. Those with pollen allergies may already be in the habit of consulting the local weather forecast or a favorite weather app for information on pollen counts.
But there’s more to the relationship between weather and allergies than just the local pollen count on the evenings news. Rain can weigh down pollen particles, limiting their mobility, and storms can wash pollen out of the air, so some people with pollen allergies find that a rainstorm can ease their symptoms. However, others don’t find that relief, since rain can saturate the pollen and break it into smaller and more mobile particles before it becomes too weighed down. These smaller airborne particles can be particularly troublesome for people with allergic asthma. While allergy sufferers will always be faced with tracking their own triggers and symptoms, they may find that using storm tracking software can help them anticipate and manage their symptoms.
Weather affects other types of allergies, as well. In wet, cold weather, pollen counts are usually lower, but people tend to spend more time indoors, so those susceptible to indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold will find that outdoor weather can affect their symptoms even though their allergies aren’t triggered by pollen. Furthermore, research has demonstrated a causal link between allergy symptoms and lowered immune systems, meaning some allergy sufferers are at greater risk for succumbing to the viruses and bacteria that are always circulating in their environments, because they’re already at a disadvantage due to their allergies.
Fortunately, a weather software or weather alert system can help allergy sufferers no matter what their particular triggers are. Those who are faced with an incoming pollen storm, or a longer stint indoors due to an incoming storm system, can prepare in advance by adjusting their activities, limiting the allergens they’ll be in contact with inside their own homes, or stocking up on necessary medications in advance.
