Local Doctor Shares Advice As Allergy Season Ramps Up In Oklahoma

Allergy season has started across Green Country and people are starting to feel the effects.

Dr. Brandon Humble with the Allergy Clinic of Tulsa said the sneezing, itchy eyes, and coughing is only going to get worse.

Dr. Humble said people are experiencing allergy symptoms because maple, alder, and birch trees are blooming.

He said tree pollen is generally the first seasonal allergen of the year that can trigger symptoms.

An FDA report questioned whether phenylephrine, a popular ingredient in many popular over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, is effective.

Dr. Humble said phenylephrine works better as a nose spray than a pill.

“Saline sinus rinses or nasal rinses are safe, effective, and appropriate for nearly everyone when congestion is a problem. These things can be used to relief whenever symptoms are happening. So, that's certainly a starting point that's safe for most people," Dr. Humble said.

He said several other medications can bring you relief, but everyone's bodies have different reactions. It's best to check with your doctor about what works for you.

“Most next ordered treatments are going to depend on the things that person is allergic to, and of course the things that they have in their medical history before we start picking out a medication. Those things will depend on what a person has going on medically already, to determine which medicines in that medicine aisle are safe," Dr. Humble said.

He said to start your allergy medicines before you actually need them.

Dr. Humble also recommends taking a shower and changing clothes before bed to increase allergy relief.