Allergy season in Colorado starts earlier this year, expert says

A warm, dry winter has helped trigger an earlier and likely longer allergy season in Colorado, and Denver Health's Dr. Lindsay Fish suggested people begin or maintain daily allergy medications and take steps to limit pollen in the home.

A record-warm winter and dry conditions in Colorado have prompted an early start to allergy season. Trees and plants are blooming sooner, which is increasing pollen in the air. Denver Health's Dr. Lindsay Fish said pollen is usually the first and main trigger for seasonal allergies. She noted the season could be earlier, longer and more intense this year, with pollution and wildfire smoke potentially adding complications as summer approaches. Key points: - A very warm winter and fewer frost-filled days have led to earlier plant blooming and higher pollen presence, according to Dr. Lindsay Fish. - Dr. Fish said Coloradans may face an earlier, longer and more intense allergy season, and she mentioned that ozone and wildfire smoke could worsen symptoms later in the season. - Allergy symptoms commonly include itchy, watery eyes and an itchy, runny nose, and can also include sinus congestion; colds and other respiratory infections more often bring sore throat, cough, fever and body aches. - Dr. Fish emphasized getting medical attention if someone has wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing. - She suggested starting daily over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications now, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions, and noted practical measures such as changing clothes and showering after being outdoors and keeping windows closed while sleeping to reduce indoor pollen. Summary: An earlier and potentially more severe allergy season could affect many people in Colorado this spring and into summer. Overlap between allergy and respiratory infection symptoms may make it harder to identify causes. Dr. Fish suggested maintaining or starting daily allergy medications and described simple steps to reduce pollen spread at home, while also noting that air quality factors like ozone and wildfire smoke may influence how symptoms evolve over the coming months.