Deaconess allergist provides tips on how to combat allergy season

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - With spring now in full swing, it’s that time of the year when people come down with a case of sniffles, itchy eyes and even some coughing.

Deaconess Allergist Anne McLaughlin says the mix of rain and warm temperatures in the Tri-State this time of year creates the perfect storm for some high levels of tree pollen.

McLaughlin says it’s time to buckle down for those suffering from allergies because they aren’t going away anytime soon.

“We get trees first,” McLaughlin said. “That’s what’s happening right now, and then we start to get grasses in May and June. We get a little bit of break in July, end of June to July, then in August, we get Ragweed and other weeds. That takes us to October, so we have a long allergy season here.”

She says it’s time to buckle down if you’re suffering from allergies, because they aren’t going away.

McLaughlin recommends shutting your windows on your house and also when you’re driving.

She says medical experts see combating allergies in two steps, avoidance and medication.

“Try to keep yourself away from the pollen as much as you can, and then when you can’t do that, there are some medications that you can try,” says McLaughlin, “one thing that’s changed a lot in the last 10 years is things that we used to prescribe, are now available over the counter without prescriptions.”

McLaughlin says most people are able to keep their allergy symptoms down with medication, but it’s important to keep an eye on things.

She says if you begin having severe symptoms that can’t be fixed by the medication you’re using, or if you begin experiencing respiratory issues, to go and see an allergist.

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