CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pollen season is getting longer and more intense due to climate change. Luckily, there are ways to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Deena Wilson says the moment she steps on her porch, she can feel the pollen. It’s all over her pots, fake plants and yard lights.

“I have to wear gloves when cleaning,” Wilson said. “I usually have to wear a mask because I start sneezing and itching.”

A recent study found that climate change is causing hotter temperatures, making the pollen season more intense. Dr. Roopen Patel with the Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center says the heat gives plants more time to emit pollen and reproduce. 

“So the exposure time our patients have to the pollen is much longer than it was in the past and it has been well documented that we are adding days almost every year,” Patel said.

Wilson says she alleviates her symptoms with salt room therapy and IV hydration twice a month at the Invigory Wellness Center in south Charlotte.

“After I leave, I feel much better,” Wilson said. “I feel less congested. I can breathe a lot better and my throat doesn’t hurt. My eyes don’t itch.”

Tiny salt particles are diffused into the room. Patel says salt has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

“The theory is that the salinity of the saline concentration can help similar to nasal sinus washes,” Patel said. “Those are popular, where you can rinse your sinuses out with these nasal rinses.”

He suggests it as an elective, but not a needed therapy. That’s because there have been few studies to show its effectiveness.

“There is some good background information to suggest it might help, but in science, unless you have clinical studies to back it up, we can’t make any claims,” Patel said.

Wilson says the remedy works for her and she plans to continue it.

“I can breathe again and I can be outside without sneezing,” Wilson said. “My allergies don’t bother me and they are just gone.”

Patel has a few other suggestions to help alleviate pollen allergy symptoms. He says to avoid outdoor activity in the morning, because that is when pollen counts are the highest. He also suggests showering at night to make sure pollen is washed off your body before sleeping.

And, if needed, there are several medications a doctor can prescribe to help with symptoms.