Sep 12, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Ragweed Season, Storms Bring More Allergens To Md.
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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We're right smack in the middle of the late summer allergy season.
We're right smack in the middle of the late summer allergy season. It's likely either you or someone you know has the sniffles.
Jessica Kartalija explains why it's especially bad right now.
Ragweed pollen levels are relatively high right now. Combine that with storms like Hanna moving through the area and you get a bad case of allergies.
"I have the sniffles and things like that. All kinds of stuff," said one Marylander.
Suffering with sneezes? You're not alone. One in five people has allergies.
"The usual inhalant allergies. Usually I'm worse in the spring," said an allergy sufferer.
Some seasonal allergy sufferers are in the clear. For others, symptoms are just kicking in.
"People think that because spring and summer is over there won't be a problem. What they don't know is the ragweed season comes in right around mid-August and goes through mid-September," said Dr. Rodney Taylor, University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dr. Taylor has seen a slew of allergy sufferers seeking relief at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
He says Tropical Storm Hanna could be partially to blame.
"It's not uncommon that during the tropical seasons and hurricanes and again in late August, which coincides with that time, that you are going to see patients coming in complaining about allergies," said Taylor.
In addition to ragweed, wet weather can lead to mold.
Allergic reactions include irritated eyes, runny, stuffy and itchy noses, the sneezes and sore, scratchy throats.
Your best bet is a prescription for topical steroid spray. You can also pick up some nasal saline and other over-the-counter allergy medication.
Dr. Taylor says enjoy the fall. Don't stay inside and suffer. It's also important that you get checked out to make sure you don't have a more serious health condition like asthma.
Ragweed season lasts until around Sept. 20.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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