Allergy Season To Be The Worst Ever

Baltimore, MD - Experts are warning the Spring 2013 allergy season will be one of the worst ever. The reason behind this prediction is due to the above average rainfall across the country. In areas that have seen an early start to spring (mostly in the western and central USA) are already reporting above average pollen counts.

Dr Clifford Bassett, clinical assistant professor of medicine at the New York School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center told ABC NEWS "We're expecting to see a very robust allergy season because of a lot of precipitation during late winter and the warmer temperatures we're seeing now throughout the country."

However, in Maryland it's been a whole different story. Because of the colder than normal temperatures across the state our Spring allergy season has been delayed.
This presents a problem for everyone as the blend of seasons can confuse you!

While you may think you have allergies you may still have a common cold!

 Dr. Bassett shares expert tips to help you survive 2013 allergies:

Gauge It
To get a sense of your seasonal allergy status, visit allergyandasthmarelief.org to take a free allergy relief test. Before starting any type of treatment, get your seasonal allergies confirmed with a simple in-office allergy test; otherwise, you could be treating the wrong problem. Allergy shots may reduce or slow down your allergy problem and have been shown to give long-term relief in nearly 90 percent of patients, Dr. Bassett notes.

Treat Early
If you use nasal antihistamines, steroids, oral antihistamines, or eye drops for seasonal allergies, don't wait until your symptoms are unbearable to start treatment. "If you see an allergist and get tested, the doctor can quickly individualize treatment, telling you when you should take medications and when to be on pretreatment or allergy alert."

Be In the Know
Make a habit of checking your local allergy levels. Go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's National Allergy Bureau for up-to-date pollen counts. You can even sign up for email alerts or download a smartphone app that tracks pollen counts.

Be Shady
Wear oversized sunglasses to block airborne pollens from hitting your eyes. This can help prevent redness and watery eyes.
Accessorize from the top. Wearing a hat—preferably a wide-brimmed one—can help keep pollen and other allergens from landing in your hair and eyes. ***