LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It’s that time of year, where sneezing and watery eyes seem to affect us all. It's an issue that packs the office full of patients for healthcare professionals like Dr. Eddie Shields, who works as an allergy and asthma specialist.
“April is the peak season for allergies. We’ve got the crossover between the tree pollen and the grass pollen that is all in the air right now," Dr. Shields said.
He said our environment here in the Natural State is the perfect place for pollen to thrive, but depending on the year we may not be the worst state for those that feel the impacts of pollen allergies.
“Arkansas is always in the top 10," Dr. Shields said. "The southeast part of the country has more allergens and longer pollenating seasons. We have shorter winters so our spring, summer, and fall more typically run together.”
Since we are currently in the thick of allergy season, Dr. Shields has some tips for those who continue to be effected.
“Keep the windows shut in the house and the car. If you’ve been outside during the day be sure to shower and get all the pollen off of you. There are also some very good over-the-counter medications. Nasal steroids are some of the most effective medicines," Dr. Shields recommended.
Finally since travel picks up during the warmer months, always remember to take your medication with you on your trip.
“You may walk into a hotel that has a mold issue. Their pollinating seasons are different than ours. I have people who travel up north that survive our pollen season and they leave and have issues because the trees are a little bit behind there," he said.