May 19, 2013
Spring season, some consider it to be the best season to be outdoors. Some call it the season of life. For others, it's the season to sneeze. Dr. Brian Wilson, a local allergist said, "Spring time is definitely a busy time for allergists in Tallahassee. We have a lot of diversity of trees and other plants as well."
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. And among the institute's ten most common allergens, the white oak is one of them and it is common in the big bend. Local allergists say it's not necessarily the pine pollen that collects on cars, it's the other particles you can't see.
Dr. Ronald Saff with the American Lung Association said, "The elm, the hickory and pecan pollens, the cedar and juniper pollens. Those are the ones that are driving people crazy."
Monique Hoffman, an FSU Student said, "It's really frustrating. Sneezing fits all the time. Actually, I almost had to withdrawal freshman year of spring semester."
One recommendation from the American Lung Association's is to move elsewhere, but for many that's too drastic and expensive. Local allergists say the next best thing is to contact your primary care doctor.
Doctors also say, staying inside doesn't help and if someone has asthma, it's especially important that you contact your doctor if you are not feeling well.
