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Jed Boal Reporting If pollen makes you sneeze and weep you could be in for a tough week or two -- the allergy season is about to intensify.
Rain knocks down the pollen. When the sun comes out and stays out, the pollen starts to fly and the grass pollen is taking off.
Amber Lindeburg, Allergy Sufferer: "I've been sneezing non-stop."
Amber Lindeburg does not let her hay fever ruin a walk in the park.
Amber Lindeburg: "Sneeze after sneeze...runny nose."
But it sure is a nuisance.
Amber Lindeburg: "I seem to be okay right now, but later this afternoon, I'll probably start sneezing a lot when the pollen picks up more."
And it IS picking up. Tree pollination is winding down, but Doctor Alan Bitner of the Intermountain Allergy and Asthma Clinic says grass is growing into season.
Alan Bitner, M.D., Intermountain Allergy and Asthma Clinic: "Grass is one of the more potent pollens we'll see."
And it’s ready to flourish this stormy spring.
Alan Bitner, M.D.: "When you get a dry, warm, windy day, that's when the pollen gets blowing around."
We have to cut the grass, but that kicks up even more pollen. Our lawns collect dust and other pollens in addition to the grass itself; mowing the grass sends all of the allergens into the air.
Fifteen to 20 percent of us suffer from hay fever. Most can manage those symptoms with simple over-the-counter medicines. Others need more specialized help.
Alan Bitner, M.D.: "If they know they have grass allergies, they might do well to start taking the medicine before they start having symptoms because it's almost for sure they're going to have problems in the next week or ten days."
Bill Andrew, Allergy Sufferer: "I think it's going to be a bad summer. Usually I have a siege in the spring and in the fall. Then there are other years when I have it all summer, and I think this is going to be one of them."
The allergist says the peak of the grass pollen could last a few weeks.
