Health officials urge preparation as pollen levels begin to rise

CHARLOTTE — Health officials in the Charlotte area are urging residents to start preparing for allergy season as pollen levels begin to escalate. Meteorologist Joe Puma noted that some local residents have already begun experiencing early symptoms such as sneezing and coughing.

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Ragweed pollen is identified as a primary trigger during the late summer and autumn months, causing congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and related symptoms. Health experts warn that pollen concentrations will continue to rise throughout the season, particularly on windy days.

To prevent severe discomfort, medical professionals recommend starting allergy medications before pollen levels reach their peak.

Dr. Elexander Atkinson, a family medicine doctor at Novant Health, emphasized the importance of proactive treatment rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.

“In medicine, a lot of time we say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures,” Atkinson said. “So by starting before the pollen gets bad, you can really prevent yourself from getting so severe. If you wait until you’re really bound up by the pollen or your allergies, than its harder to treat.”