Allergy season is upon us in Tulsa

This is allergy season. Symptoms are usually bad in September, but this year seems to be worse. <br><br>News on 6 reporter Rick Wells went to the Allergy Clinic of Tulsa hoping to find out what's going

Monday, September 8th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

This is allergy season. Symptoms are usually bad in September, but this year seems to be worse.

News on 6 reporter Rick Wells went to the Allergy Clinic of Tulsa hoping to find out what's going on.

Jack Youngblood: "Kind of like all day long, sometimes it just itches so." Jack Youngblood is 6, he's in kindergarten, and he has allergy problems. His mom says last year was awful. Amy Youngblood: "He had 6 or 7 sinus infections last year." So they are at the Allergy Clinic of Tulsa to find out what the problem is and how to get it under control.

Dr Jane Purser says they're not the only ones. "I have had many extra people to try to see this Monday morning." People are coming in or calling, what is going on is there an easy answer? Yup, mold spore counts are way above normal over last year and over Labor Day. Dr Pruser: "Here we had 6,000 and 4,000 over the Labor Day weekend and yet the mold spore for us this year is 18,000, 14,000, and 11,000."

Wow, all that rain really stirred things up. Ragweed is usually the bad guy this time of year. Those numbers are about normal. She says there is relief available over the counter, and of course there are prescription antihistamines and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays. For those to work best most of our noses could use a good cleanout. Dr Purser: "all the way back to your ears. All the way back actually takes 7 squirts."

That will wash out all the built up irritants and will help medications you take work better. All these products are available over the counter she says and can be and should be used often. But they won't help with everything, like TV interviews. Jack Youngblood: "Wasn't feeling good. Ok, I don't want to do it anymore." Sorry Jack, happens all the time.

Dr Purser recommends changing shower habits, shower at night she says, before bed. Allergens, from your hair won't get on your pillow and make a good night's sleep nearly impossible.