GRAYSON CO., TX - Studies show that one in five Americans suffers from some type of allergy. And spring time brings with it lots of pollen floating around in the air. The quick transition from a wet, cold winter to warm temperatures has actually made this allergy season a little stronger.
"Just really sneezing, itchy watery eyes, you know and I'm sneezing like all the time and it itches, it's not fun,” said Karen Poppenhouse.
Karen took her five-month-old daughter out to a blue bonnet field Wednesday afternoon to take spring pictures. She said she keeps her allergies in check by taking over the counter medication every day, for occasions just like this one.
"I took Zyrtec today before I came out today to make sure I didn't have allergies out here,” said Karen.
For Texoma, tree pollen as well as grass pollen, are causing most of the allergies right now. Which local allergist Vern Laing said isn't all bad.
"Well pollen really isn't our enemy, I mean the beauty of the earth that we're all enjoying right now, I mean there's a euphoria out there people are feeling good and happy,” said Laing.
Spring showers have certainly brought plenty of flowers. But what most people may not know is that rain can actually provide relief for allergy sufferers.
"When rain comes all the pollen is washed out of the air so the classic pollen patient gets marked relief from rain they feel much better after,” said Laing.
Dr. Laing said there are other ways to feel better. The simplest is to stay inside if possible and avoid exposure.
"Anything that prevents contact is going to be beneficial,” he explained. “For example wearing a coat or a sweater when you're out, wearing a mask, if you're going to go out and work in your yard or garden.”
But when that's not an option he said most over the counter medicine and nasal sprays will work. But if the problem persists, that’s when it might be time to see an allergist.
"The third step, immunizing, taking allergy injections can prevent this cycle year in and year out,” said Laing.
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