Allergy Forecast: NYC For The Week Of April 29th - May 5th

NEW YORK, NY — You thought your allergies were bad last week? Turns out your puffy eyes, scratchy throat and non-stop sneezes are just getting going as allegy season in New York City revs up to full throttle.

The blossoming plants and flowers might be nice to look at, but for the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers with allergies, it means a whole lot of congestion and other uncomfortable symptoms.

And this upcoming week is about to see elevated rates of pollen.

According to the allergy forecast from weather.com, tree pollen rates are ranked as "high" on three of the next seven days – and "very high" on Monday. It's not dipping below "moderate"at any point during the span.

Most allergen forecasts break down the causes into three categories: tree pollen, grass pollen and ragweed pollen.

For now the culprit is tree pollen, which will be running rampant in the next few days. Meanwhile grass pollen rates will range from moderate to non existent, and ragweed pollen will be totally non existent over the next week.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the most common symptoms of allergies are sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat and eyes, and wheezing. It's a list that people with allergies know all to well.

Here's how AccuWeather suggests you can relieve symptoms:

• Stay inside in the morning

"Pollen counts are highest in the early morning, between 5 and 10 a.m.," Robert Sporter, a doctor at ENT & Allergy Associates in New York City, told AccuWeather.

• Keep indoor air clean

Keep windows closed, filter the air by using air conditioning.

• Avoid certain foods

Some people with severe pollen allergies may have trouble eating raw and fresh fruit.

• Carry an allergy relief kit

Including over-the-counter products such as antihistamines and eye drops.