How much worse is this year's hay fever season compared to last year? Dr. Mallika Marshall answers your questions

BOSTON - Dr. Mallika Marshall is answering your medical questions. If you have a question, email her or message her on Facebook or Twitter.

Adriane on Facebook asks, "How much worse is this year's hay fever season compared to last year? In the last 20 days, I've gone through five boxes of tissues and can't seem to stop coughing and sneezing."

Ragweed pollen and molds are usually responsible for triggering allergy symptoms in the fall, typically peaking in mid-September. With climate change and warmer weather, plants are producing more pollen, which then circulates for longer. And people are wearing masks less often this year which is allowing more pollen to get to your face.

Talk to your doctor about using a steroid nasal spray and an oral antihistamine on a daily basis to help control your symptoms.

Dr. Mallika is offering her best advice, but as always, consult your personal doctor before making any decisions about your personal health.             

In:
• Allergies
• Health

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

Twitter Facebook