WORCESTER, Mass. - Just a week into spring and the weather still feels anything but. While many see the season as a time for fresh starts, it's not so pleasant for others, who battle itchy eyes and scratchy throats.
Dr. Stephen Krinzman says while the weather has been cold in recent days, pollen is starting to creep in. He says this is one of his busier times of the year with more people calling for help.
"Most of the medications we have are now over the counter," Krinzman said. "For decades, these required a doctor's prescription. Even simple things like the generics of Claritin, you had to go to a doctor. So I would say, pick the medication which works best for you."
What You Need To Know
- Dr. Stephen Krinzman says while the weather has been cold in recent days, pollen is starting to creep in.
- He says this is one of his busier times of the year with more people calling for help.
- Dr. Krinzman says allergy season typically peaks when plants start to bloom, spreading pollen throughout the air, usually lasting through the first frost.
- The doctor's recommendation: once you start feeling your allergies, start your medicine immediately.
Dr. Krinzman says allergy season typically peaks when plants start to bloom, spreading pollen throughout the air, usually lasting through the first frost.
He says a common problem is determining whether you're sick or facing allergies.
"If it starts out with a sore throat, headaches, and then you have the nasal congestion and the sneezing and it's gone in about a week, that means that you're sick," said Krinzman. "You have a virus. If it's just allergies, you usually don't have the body aches, headaches, the rundown feeling, at least not as much."
Sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing and sore throats are the usual signs you have allergies.
Dr. Krinzman says climate change though is now changing things.
"As the planet gets warmer, the allergy season is longer because it gets warmer sooner and the frost is later," he said. "Second is as carbon dioxide levels go up, it actually increases pollen levels in the air."
The doctor's recommendation: once you start feeling your allergies, start your medicine immediately.
"As soon as you feel the pollen is coming on, especially if you know those pills aren't going to be strong enough, I would start the nasal sprays, nasal steroid sprays, and use them every day at least through the season you have a problem," said Krinzman.
Dr. Krinzman says when your medicine stops working, then it's time to see a specialist. He says the majority of people with allergies can control it with some combination of pills and nasal sprays. But, everyone is different.
