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Sandra Yi reporting Spring allergies are back and in full bloom.
But good news for allergy sufferers There's new relief, over the counter.
You can't help but feel great on a mild day like today. That is, unless you have allergies.
Lynette Sessions/Allergy Sufferer: "SNEEZING, ITCHY, PUFFY EYES. YOU'RE JUST ITCHY EVERYWHERE. IT'S NOT FUN."
The culprit is tree pollen. The pollen count right now is average but allergy sufferers are battling the symptoms.
Some good news - the popular antihistamine Claritin - has been available over the counter for a few months. Pharmacists and allergists say more people are self diagnosing their symptoms and using over the counter medicines. But one doctor says some allergy sufferers should be cautious - about doing that.
Charles Rogers/Allergy Associates of Utah: "FOR PATIENTS WHO AREN'T CERTAIN OF THEIR SYMPTOMS, IT'S POSSIBLE FOR SELF DIAGNOSIS AND SELF MEDICATING TO LEAD TO THE WRONG DIAGNOSIS AND DELAYING TREATMENT FOR COEXISTING CONDITIONS SUCH AS ASTHMA AND SINUSITIS."
Doctor Rogers says antihistamines aren't enough, for most of his patients, who have severe symptoms. He recommends people who have seen doctors in the past and suffer from mild allergies take over the counter medication. He says others, who aren't so sure of their condition, should go see their doctor or allergist first.
Allergists also recommend people with allergies sleep with their windows closed and drive with their car windows rolled up - because the pollen count is higher in the mornings and evenings.
