Health: Fall Allergy Season In Full Swing Across Delaware Valley, Higher Than Usual Pollen Counts
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mold and ragweed are causing problems for allergy sufferers in the Delaware Valley. Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl is On Your Side with the latest counts.
The fall allergy season is in full swing. According to the latest data, mold spores are extreme, and ragweed pollen is moderate today, in our area. The typical fall allergens are higher than usual thanks to the weather we've been having.
Rain, rain, rain, it never seems to go away. And it's ushered in an especially nasty fall allergy season. All the moisture in the air has ragweed and mold spores exploding in growth.
Lovella Reynolds doesn't need a calendar to tell her the seasons have changed.
"Fall is the absolute worst. I have a runny nose. I have burning. I have post nasal drip, with the scratchiness and the hoarseness in my voice," said Lovella.
Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Dr. Eugene Hurwitz, an allergist, says allergies in the autumn are usually attributable to one main culprit.
"Ragweed blooming and that's really when we see real problems with fall allergies," said Dr. Hurwitz.
Treatment can include prescription or over-the-counter medications. Reducing exposure can also be helpful. Stay indoors between 10am and 3pm, when pollen is at its peak. Clean ducts before turning the heater on. Remove clothing after being outside, and you may even want to wash your hair before bed, to keep pollen off the bedding.
For some, like Lovella, the combination of allergy shots and medication seem to be giving her much needed relief.
Doctors warn adults who never had seasonal allergies may still develop them, especially if there is a family history. The ragweed season will end after a couple, consecutive days of freezing temperatures.
RELATED LINKS:
Ragweed Allergy Information
Mold Allergy Information
Local Pollen Count
Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3
