Allergies can be worse during periods of rain

Mid-Missouri is heading into the 3rd consecutive month of seeing above average rainfall. As of September 12, Columbia Regional Airport is sitting at 6.67 inches of rain, most of that all fell within a span of a few days last week. The average rain during the entire month of September is only 3.87 inches, therefore, we’ve already seen nearly two hundred percent of the total.

The rain comes at no surprise, as most of the summer experienced a series of fronts that stalled out over the area. The rain helped the state overcome an abnormally dry summer, into one that has now seen plentiful rain with virtually no drought. The climatological summer months are June, July, and August brought one of the top 15 wettest summer seasons on record, with 18.21 inches of rain.

As we turn the page into a new climatological season, we’re seeing the wet pattern continue. We’re in the peak of harvest season and plants are seeing a little extra rainfall, our yards are maintaining their green hue, but the rain can also bring unwanted allergy problems to many sufferers, in the form of thunderclap asthma.

Thunderclap asthma, is severe allergy symptoms that are come to fruition during rainy days and occurs to those who live with asthma. While rain does help allergy sufferers in the long rain, the first few days after rain creates a problem.

In general, wet and humid patterns are good for those who suffer allergies, because the humidity helps weigh down the pollen and keep it from dispersing through the air. However, during a bout of heavy rain that follows a seemingly dry period, there exists problems. Rain beating down on weeds and flowers helps break the pollen up into minute particles, which are easily absorbed into your nose at higher concentrations. This creates a sudden onset of allergy symptoms that are typically severe.

For those allergy sufferers who are allergic to ragweeds, chenopods, and nettle, the rain this week could cause you to experience thunderclap asthma, or severe allergies. The latest outlook from pollen.com has mid-Missouri seeing high levels of pollen (9.0+) through Wednesday, before dropping into manageable territory (5.0).

During this time, allergists recommend to stay indoors, keep the windows shut, and keep a tissue box and antihistamines on hand.