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Sniffling, runny eyes? Early allergies already hitting some Georgians hard

ATLANTA — Sniffling, sneezing, runny eyes? It’s still winter, but spring allergies are already hitting Georgians.

Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer asked allergy doctors about spring allergies starting early this year.

“If you’re inhaling something that you’re allergic to, not only can it trigger nasal symptoms, but it can actually trigger asthma type symptoms, as well,” said Dr. Erinn Gardner with Atlanta Allergy & Asthma.

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Gardner told Stouffer what starts as a runny nose can be serious.

“We’re actually seeing some people who are having an increase in asthma symptoms as well, which can consist of shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness,” she said.

Atlanta Allergy and Asthma tracks pollen counts. The first “high” pollen date of 2022 was Feb. 14, but this year it was Feb. 2.

So far, we’ve already had about double the number of high days this month compared to last February.

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While the weather can vary year-to-year, allergy experts have been tracking longer seasons.

“Those pollen counts actually typically remain elevated during the month of March, April, and May and typically don’t decrease until June,” Gardner said.

“So the milder winters had led to an earlier start in the pollen season.”

Gardner recommends over-the-counter medicines for mild symptoms. She added that getting tested is key for the best treatments.

Once the “extremely high” pollen days start later in spring, allergy experts say trying to limit your exposure to allergens can help if you have allergies. Think about changing and showering when you come back inside, especially before bedtime, to rinse the pollens out before your head hits the pillow.

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