MILWAUKEE — Spring is in the air here in Wisconsin, but it means pollen is too. Dr. John Basich at Allergy and Asthma Center S.C. expects a high pollen count this spring, which can put a damper on outdoor activities.  

“The pollen has been heavier this year,” said Basich. “We had an early spring and those warm days and temperatures the trees are putting out more pollen. The rain for several days increases the amount of pollen distributed in the air.”

He said it’s mainly coming from oak, ash and birch trees.

“The grass is going to be starting until Fourth of July,” said Basich. “You’ll have two or three things going at once. The mold, pollen and if people have problems with their pets or dust.”

Ryan Sibley just moved to Milwaukee from Louisiana and is enjoying the spring weather after a cold winter. He spent the day Monday having a picnic with a friend by Lake Michigan.

“Thought it was a beautiful day,” said Sibley. “Got out of work early and wanted to come out here and have a good time.”

Like many, Ryan suffers from seasonal allergies, so sitting in the grass can cause a flair up. When he has a flare up he will have a scratchy throat and nasal congestion.

“I’ll take allergy medicine,” said Sibley. “I’ll get in the shower. I’ll do a hot shower. I’ll breathe in the steam. I’ll do a neti pot or saline solution.”

Basich recommended those remedies Ryan used, including over-the-counter allergy medicine.

“If they get really bad and they’re not being controlled they come in and see us and get put on allergy shots,” said Basich.

Basich said to not sleep with your window open at night and to be cautious when outside in the morning, as that’s when the pollen is often the worst.

You can look up the pollen count in your area; Basich recommended the American Academy of Allergy, Ashtma and Immunology.