Allergy Season Comes Early

CHICOPEE, Mass (WWLP) - Nearly 40 million Americans are coughing, sneezing and tearing up a lot sooner this year, thanks to early blooms causing allergy season to hit much earlier.

Dr. Jim Laurenzano from Doctors Express in Springfield says some of the reasons for the early Allergy season include ragweed, climate change and the Hygiene Hypothesis: "We have developed such an indoor lifestyle our children are not exposed to dirt and other outdoor elements, such as pollen. So when children go outside, their bodies go into attack mode and they may develop allergies to certain pollutants, like pollen."

Dr. Laurenzano says over the counter medication can provide significant relief. And close your windows (and opt for air conditioning ) at night if the pollen count is high.

If you’ve been outside, take a shower before going to bed and change into fresh clothing so you don’t bring the pollen that may have clung to your skin, hair or clothes onto your sheets. Also, wash your sheets often.
And avoid outdoor activity early in the morning when pollen levels are at their highest.