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Early Signs Of Spring Also Mean Early Start To Sniffles And Sneezes

by Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The spring allergy is off to an early start again and experts say it could be a doozy.   The Asthma Center measures pollen counts every day. Recently they examined weather patterns, and say a global warming trend will cause an explosion of pollen this spring.

The earliest signs of spring in Philadelphia can be seen on Kelly Drive. The Asthma Center says pollen counts for juniper and maple are moderate and so is outdoor mold.

"There's a significant el nino effect," said Dr. Donald Dvorin, a specialist at the asthma center.

Dvorin put their findings on spring allergies on YouTube.

"We expect this season in general will be a much higher allergy season due to the balmy weather we noticed thru the winter season," he said.

Vince Rogers says he's already feeling symptoms of spring before winter is even over.

"Headaches, watery eyes, and congestion," Rogers said explaining his symptoms.

Dr. Teri Jeffers, an Allergy and Asthma Specialist, says spring allergies usually don't start showing up until April. Early March, is early for pollen.

"A lot of people have come in thinking they have a cold," Jeffers said. "It doesn't look like springtime yet outside, but lots of tree pollen and that means sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itching."

It's estimated about 50 million Americans suffer with allergies, but many don't know that's what's causing seasonal misery.

"I've never really had the headaches and I was trying to figure out what was wrong and I would always stay congested," Rogers said.

Doctors say it's important to avoid allergy triggers if possible, and it you take medications for relief take them before symptoms start.

"Avoid what you can, staying indoors when you can.  Take the 24-hour antihistamines, or over-the-counter nasal steroids, consistently in the spring season. It certainly helps to know specifically what you're allergic to," Jeffers said.

If traditional medications or over the counter and prescription don't work, allergy shots can be very effective and now there's an alternative of tabs that melt under your tongue.

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