Health experts say 2023 allergy season may be worse than previous years

(Source: 23 WIFR)

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Families spend the last few days at forest preserves throughout the stateline enjoying the beautiful weather but creating happy memories may result in itchy eyes and uncontrollable sneezing.

Although seeing nature coming alive is beautiful, trees growing leaves and plants blooming earlier than usual may be a recipe for disaster for those who suffer with seasonal allergies.

“The pollen seasons every year are starting a little bit earlier and lasting a little bit longer and they seem to be worse and the thought with that is it’s probably related to climate change,” said UW Health pediatric allergist Eric Schauberger.

Schauberger says stateline residents may notice worse allergy symptoms this year.

“When it gets cold and all of a sudden it gets really warm like we’ve kinda experienced in the last few days here, is the pollen really tends to pop and then it’s pretty bad for everybody because everything is blooming at the exact same time,” Schauberger said.

However, some stateline families at Rockford’s Atwood Center say their seasonal allergy symptoms starter later this year than in previous years.