Why Are My Allergies Worse This Year?
Boulder Medical Center | Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Care
Are your seasonal allergies worse than usual this year? You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Many people in Boulder County and across Colorado are experiencing stronger and longer-lasting allergy symptoms, and experts say climate change may be playing a big role.
“Each year, we’re seeing allergy seasons start earlier and last longer,” says Dr. Katie McCormack, a board-certified allergist at Boulder Medical Center in Louisville, Colo. “Higher temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels are prompting plants to release more pollen, and extreme weather events stir up allergens that are difficult to avoid.”
Why Do Seasonal Allergies Happen?
Seasonal allergies—hay fever or allergic rhinitis—occur when your immune system reacts to airborne allergens like pollen or mold. In Colorado, tree pollens peak in spring, grass pollens in summer, and weed pollens in late summer and fall. Windy, dry conditions often worsen symptoms.
Common allergy symptoms include:
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- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Cough or wheezing
- Skin rashes
Left untreated, seasonal allergies can interfere with sleep, work, and outdoor activities. They can also trigger asthma flare-ups in people with asthma.
How Are Environmental Allergies Diagnosed?
The most common test is a skin prick test, which introduces small amounts of allergens to the skin through tiny scratches. If your skin reacts, your allergist can identify specific triggers. Testing is safe, quick, and often performed during your first visit.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Effective treatment plans are tailored to your specific allergies and lifestyle. Your allergist may recommend:
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- Avoidance strategies, like using HEPA filters or tracking pollen counts
- Medications, including antihistamines, nasal sprays, or inhalers
- Allergen immunotherapy, which gradually desensitizes your immune system to allergens
Long-Term Relief Through Immunotherapy
If over-the-counter meds aren’t cutting it, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) may be a long-term solution. This treatment works by retraining your immune system to respond less aggressively to allergens over time. The results can be long-lasting for some people, even after stopping treatment.
Get Help for Seasonal Allergies in Boulder County
If your allergies worsen or affect your quality of life, Boulder Medical Center’s allergy specialists can help. We offer expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for adults and children in Louisville and Boulder, Colorado.
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- Visit our website to learn more or schedule an appointment