Spring Allergy Onslaught To Worsen In NYC

NEW YORK, NY - Get your eye drops and congestion medicine ready – the ongoing spring allergy onslaught is gaining strength.

The flowers that are blossoming throughout NYC might be beautiful, but for the countless number of New Yorker's that suffer from allergies they are creating a hell.

And this upcoming week has some of the highest rates of pollen yet.

According to an allergy forecast from weather.com, tree pollen rates are ranked as "very high" on three of the next seven days — and "high" on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. The tree pollen rates only dip to "moderate" on Thursday.

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

For now the main culprit is tree pollen, but grass pollen will also check in at moderate for four of the next seven days. Ragweed pollen will however 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 too 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.