This Spring Allergy Season May Be Worse Than Others

It's not uncommon for Tulsa to feel the affect of spring allergies, but experts say this year is a little different.

Tuesday, April 6th 2010, 5:32 pm

By: News On 6


By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- If you've been outside lately, you know the spring allergy season is here. From ragweed to tree pollen to mold spores, Tulsans are being attacked on all fronts. 

It's not uncommon for Tulsa to feel the affect of spring allergies, but experts say this year is a little different.

While flowers are in bloom and grass is turning green, allergens are in the air and on cars.  The fine, yellow dust you see is actually tree pollen.

"It's what's in the air, it's bad," said Dr. David Hurewitz, Allergy Clinic of Tulsa.

Dr. Hurewitz helps track the pollen count. Lately it's been very high.

"A lot of mold spores," said Hurewitz.

Dr. Hurewitz says the high count can cause a number of problems as your body works to repel what it thinks is a parasite.

"The holes will swell shut, the eyes may want to swell, the bronchial tubes may want to swell, the nose may want to swell," said Hurewitz.

This year may be worse than others thanks to a cold winter. The spring allergy season actually begins in mid-January as trees begin to pollinate. But the snow, ice, and colder than normal winter, pushed back the start of allergy season.

"The pollens didn't really start ‘til later, so we're having sort of a double. The early stuff is starting a little later," said Hurewitz.

Dr. Hurewitz says there are three ways you can treat your allergies. One, avoid them altogether -- stay inside and use your A/C whether in your car or in your home. He also says to think about medication -- over the counter or prescription, such as Claritin or Allegra. If they're really bad, Hurewitz says, you might want to consider getting an injection. 

"It stimulates a counter antibody, a blocking antibody that essentially makes people gradually more tolerant of something to which they've been intolerant," said Hurewitz.

One way or another, he says, allergens are on the prowl making for a wheezy Oklahoma spring.

Dr. Hurewitz says April and May are the two worst months, when just about everything is in the air. He encourages anyone who is having problems to talk with their doctor.

 

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

April 6th, 2010

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024