For many people, the beginning of spring is something to look forward to. Warmer weather, bright colors and an escape from seasonal depression are all things that characterize this blossoming season. Unfortunately, the existence of pollen. Pollen production in North Carolina has risen roughly 20% within the last 30 years, leaving those with seasonal allergies suffering for weeks on end in late March and early April. People with especially bad reactions to tree pollen, which is what typically causes most allergy symptoms, have even reported to get high fevers, incapacitating headaches, and extreme fatigue as a result of production nearly doubling overnight in some North Carolina areas.

This year, the appearance of pollen in Raleigh came out of nowhere, catching many people off-guard as they went outside to find roads, cars, and sidewalks covered in fine yellow powder. Produced by pine trees, this visible pollen is one of the most identifiable characteristics of the beginnings of spring in most southeastern states. However, the pollen produced by oak and birch trees, while not as easily seen, also contribute to a large proportion of those who are affected with itchy eyes and aggravated sinuses during these months. 

Thankfully, the spring pollen season in North Carolina only lasts for a couple of weeks, which will hopefully see the end of many peoples’ allergy problems. That is, of course, unless they’re someone who also suffers from summer-time grass pollen.