Allergy Season May Be Worse Than Usual

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- If things ever start to bloom around here, the downside will be that our allergies start to kick up. According to allergist Dr. Julia Montejo of Fairview Clinics, there's good news and there's bad news this season.

The good news: because of the weather, allergy season is starting later. The bad news: this season is predicted to be worse than past seasons.

Allergy season typically starts on March 17 with the onset of pollen and mold. This season started a few weeks late -- April 1.

According to Montejo, we are already getting pollen from the south. When our pollen sets in, allergies will intensify. That plus mold production, both of which are both wind-borne, cause allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.

After six months cooped upside, when that first nice day comes, Montejo says the biggest mistake allergy sufferers make is opening the windows wide.

"Try to avoid pollen as much as possible by staying indoors. When you drive, keep windows up," Montejo said. "Take a shower at night and change your clothes. You can also take over-the-counter medications or see a doctor who can prescribe medication as well."

Here are the spring allergy mistakes you don't want to make.

1. Don't treat symptoms without knowing what you're allergic to. See a doctor who can pinpoint the cause of your suffering and give you the right treatment.
2. Don't spend blindly on over-the-counter medication. There are tons of treatments available at the store, but if you're getting the wrong stuff, you're wasting your money.
3. Don't wait too long to take allergy meds. Get ahead of the symptoms and take your medication before you are suffering.
4. Steer clear of your allergy triggers.