Not Allergies: What’s Really Causing the Sneezing

Have you been feeling a little irritated lately? No, we're not talking about your patience; rather, your eyes and lungs. If you have been feeling like you have been hit harder than usual by allergies this week in Colorado, you are not alone.

The Misery of Allergy Season in Colorado

Many deal with allergies, including myself, and sometimes the spring and summer months can be downright miserable. There was one day that I tried to count how many times I sneezed, and I lost count at 56. Seriously, I was keeping a tally.

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By the end of the day, my throat had felt like it had been punched from the inside out, and my chest and ribs hurt from sneezing so much. Usually, grass and pollen make my allergies act up. Dust can also be a big triggering factor.

Why Even Non-Allergy Sufferers Are Struggling

Even if you do not have allergies, you might be having some respiratory issues in Colorado lately. Why? Because of dust. According to 9 News, there has been an unusual surge in dust blowing into Colorado this week.

READ MORE: [Pollen or Dust? How to Tell What’s Causing Your Symptoms]

This dust has been irritating eyes and sinuses all up and down the Front Range and most of Colorado, too. Much like many of the transplants to Colorado, the dust is being blown into the state from Texas.

Mainly, this dust cloud that has pushed its way into Colorado has come from the panhandle of Texas, but there is also dust coming up from our direct neighbors to the south in New Mexico.

READ MORE: [The Strangest Weather Events That Hit Colorado]

Pollen levels in Colorado are currently sitting at good or moderate, so this is not really a factor for Coloradans when it comes to allergies. One issue with the dust blowing into Colorado is that it acts more like an irritant, and not an allergen.

Symptoms and Health Recommendations From Experts

Common symptoms include congestion, sneezing, cough, throat irritation, and the most aggravating on the list, itchy, watery eyes. Experts say that people should reduce the time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day, and use air conditioning and air purifiers indoors to keep air quality levels in check through this dusty patch.