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April 16, 2025 |  By: Iowa News Service

Prepare for high pollen count in Iowa

The pollen count in Iowa is approaching high levels over the next few weeks. Unusually warm spring weather means allergy triggers like pollen and grasses are in full bloom. Allergens trigger chemicals in your brain called histamines. People who suffer from seasonal allergies typically take antihistamines to control the runny nose, itching and watery eyes that the histamines create. With all its trees, grasses and farm fields, Iowa is a hotbed of allergens. United Health Care's Dr. Gregory Carnevale says at least 100 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, many of whom are kids and haven't built up immunity to these allergens.

"..thirty-six years old, more seasonal allergies. Again, that repeated exposure that's over-time. Then finally if you are predisposed to developing pulminary symptoms associated with allergies, it would be asthma.", says Carnevale.

He says United Healthcare has an online tip sheet for how to handle seasonal allergies, which affect nearly one in five kids in the United States.

Allergy symptoms can usually be controlled with over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, but Carnevale says, especially in kids, allergy-induced asthma can turn into a far more life-altering condition.

"A lot of these children and teenagers are more active in sports and if you see them struggling, you might have cause for concern. They'll be often times coughing, short of breath, or they might even have an audible wheeze. Any of those symptoms warrant an evaluation by a healthcare professional.", says Carnevale.

Carnevale also recommends limiting time outdoors to avoid seasonal allergy triggers and paying attention to the times of day when pollen counts are the highest.