Doctors warn El Niño could worsen Mississippi weed pollen this fall

Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic says warm, wet weather tied in part to El Niño is likely to drive up weed pollen levels during the fall allergy season, which peaks in September and runs through November. The clinic is urging patients to prepare for symptoms and use prevention and treatment options before flare-ups worsen.

Why it matters: - Fall allergy season is already underway in Mississippi, with the highest pollen load expected in September. - Higher weed pollen can trigger symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, coughing, hives, headaches, and sinus pain. - Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic expects more patients as pollen levels rise.

What happened: - Mississippi doctors are preparing for fall allergies as summer ends and cooler months approach. - Warm and wet weather has increased pollen levels across the country. - Rainfall tied in part to El Niño is expected to contribute to higher weed pollen levels this fall. - Dr. Chelle Wilhelm of the Jackson clinic said autumn is a prime time for allergies because warmer temperatures release more pollen into the air. - Ragweed and other weed allergens are the most common triggers this time of year.

The details: - Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic offers allergy testing and treatments for fall allergies, including immunotherapy. - The clinic’s allergists also spend time educating patients on how to prevent flare-ups when triggers spike. - The clinic recommends avoiding triggering substances. - The clinic recommends showering and changing clothes after being outside. - The clinic recommends wearing a mask outdoors during high-pollen periods. - The clinic recommends routine dosing of antihistamines during allergy season. - The clinic recommends over-the-counter or prescription decongestants, nasal sprays, and other medications. - Dr. Joshua Phillips said patients should stay mindful during allergy season and watch for symptoms. - Dr. Joshua Phillips said the clinic can help patients build a plan to manage symptoms and discuss treatment options. - The clinic says the best way to identify specific allergies and triggers is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergy specialist at MSAAC. - Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic offices are in Jackson, Ridgeland, Hattiesburg, Oxford, Meridian, D’Iberville, Starkville, and McComb. - The clinic directs patients to more information on its website. - The clinic also directs patients to Facebook and Instagram. - The release also points readers to Facebook at @MississippiAsthmaandAllergyClinicPA.

Between the lines: - El Niño-linked rainfall can make a familiar seasonal problem worse by increasing the amount of pollen in the air. - The clinic is positioning allergy testing and specialist care as the most reliable way to narrow down triggers and reduce symptoms. - The messaging suggests prevention matters as much as treatment once pollen levels spike.

What's next: - Patients who expect seasonal symptoms are being urged to seek care before symptoms intensify. - Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic is likely to see more fall-season appointments as pollen counts stay elevated. - The allergy season will continue through November, so prevention steps may need to continue for several weeks.

The bottom line: - Mississippi residents should expect a tougher fall allergy season and plan ahead rather than wait for symptoms to peak.