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Tree Pollen Levels Through The Roof In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Though it doesn't feel like it now, we've had a great start to spring.

But warm weather in March and April brought an unwanted Minnesota guest: allergies.

WCCO spoke with an allergist about how this season is shaping up, and the best ways to fight the itchy eyes and sneezes.

Just when the weather is turning from winter to spring and you want to get outside, seasonal allergies strike.

"Swollen eyes, itchy, can't breathe, bad attitude, need lots of coffee," allergy sufferer Sofia Rafael said.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says tree pollen in Minnesota is in high concentration.

"This time of the year, a lot of sniffing, throat clearing, that spring cold thing," Fairview Clinics allergist Dr. Julia Montejo said. "A lot of times those folks are sufferers of a pollen allergy, which we've had quite a significant amount of in the last few weeks."

Even though the symptoms can be similar, Montejo said don't mistake allergies for a cold.

"The key with a cold is that many times you have symptoms that last five to seven days. With allergies, especially if the weather cooperates, they're going to be much longer lasting," Montejo said.

It's the itchy eyes, stuffy and runny nose, sneezing and facial congestion. The good news is recent rain and snow has provided some respite. The precipitation temporarily scrubs the air.

If your symptoms seem more intense than in years past, it may just be you. Montejo said this season has been pretty typical, and avoidance is your best solution.

"You might want to limit outdoor activities," Montejo said. "Keep the windows closed, don't air dry the clothes, wash the pets if they are outside, wash your hair, change your clothes take a shower and get rid of all the pollen you can."

She said there are many over-the-counter medications available to help allergy sufferers.

She recommends a nasal spray like Flonase or Nasacort over pills because you avoid side effects like drowsiness.

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