Oklahoma City allergy alert issued

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) High amounts of airborne eastern red cedar pollen prompted Oklahoma City's first allergy alert of the year.<br/><br/>As many as 100,000 Oklahomans have allergic reactions to red

Tuesday, February 22nd 2005, 6:35 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) High amounts of airborne eastern red cedar pollen prompted Oklahoma City's first allergy alert of the year.

As many as 100,000 Oklahomans have allergic reactions to red cedar pollen.

Doctor Warren Filey with the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic says high temperatures and stiff winds over the weekend contributed to the problem Mondayy.

The clinic measured the red cedar pollen rate yesterday at 3,132 grains per cubic meter of air. Friday, the reading was 46.

A high range for allergy sufferers is considered 1,500 grains per cubic meter of air.

While sensitivities vary, critical levels of tree pollens cause medical difficulties ranging from a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing fits, nasal drainage, headache, itchy ears and throat to fatigue and insomnia. High levels of tree pollen also cause severe cases of allergic bronchial asthma.

Allergy sufferers are advised to stay inside for at least the next several days, take allergy medication and to see a doctor if necessary.