Sep 10, 2008 5:28 am US/Mountain
Expert: Allergies To Worsen With Global Warming
Written By Paul Day
Reporting
Paul Day
DENVER (CBS4) ―
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The study he helped write also found many varieties of tumbleweed and sage brush are also thriving because of global warming.
CBS
Are you burning through more boxes of Kleenex this summer? You're not alone.
"Allergy sufferers are going to have more problems," claims Dr. Dick Weber, an allergy expert at National Jewish Health.
Weber helped co-author a new study that finds the annual ragweed season is being made worse by global warming.
Warmer temperatures and more carbon monoxide are causing allergenic weeds to be more abundant and produce more pollen, according to the study. It's published in the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Without her meds, Erica Fox would be miserable.
"Runny nose, itchy throat is the worst and sneezing," she explains.
Fox was able to enjoy a stroll through Washington Park Tuesday evening only because she takes over the counter medication.
Weber says its not just ragweed.
The study he helped write also found many varieties of tumbleweed and sage brush are also thriving because of global warming.
"The seasons are starting earlier but they're not ending earlier so the whole season is longer," adds Weber.
It's an unhappy prospect for Fox and 36 million other Americans who suffer during ragweed season.
"Hopefully they can figure something out," she says.
Here are a few tips for allergy sufferers trying to relieve their symptoms:
--Stay indoors and keep windows closed when pollen counts are high.
--Change your clothing after time spent outside.
--Shower before going to bed to remove pollen from your face and hair.
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