'Buckle up': Allergy season hitting early — and hard — in Utah

RIVERTON, Utah — The sneezing, the coughing, the watery eyes — all signs of those pesky spring allergies. "If it's bad right now, it's probably seasonal allergies," said Dr. Scott Taylor, an allergy and immunology physician at Riverton Hospital. With a mild winter and warmer-than-normal temperatures, experts expect this allergy season to be particularly harsh. "This year it came early; people in February were already starting to sneeze and come into our clinic," Taylor said. "Just buckle up — it's going to be a tough season."

Three Utah cities — Provo, Ogden and Salt Lake City — made the "top 20 allergy capitals," according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

So, what can you do to minimize symptoms? Taylor said over-the-counter antihistamines can help, but nasal steroids are often more effective. "It takes up to a day or two to really see the effect, but if you do it consistently, it really makes a big difference," he said. Nasal rinses with distilled water can also help flush out pollen. Washing your hair at night and keeping windows closed — especially in the morning when pollen counts are highest — can reduce exposure. Knowing what exactly you're allergic to can also help guide treatment. Taylor warns that allergies can cause flare-ups in those with asthma. "If you or a loved one are having issues — not just a runny nose, but difficulty breathing — it's really important that you go in to see a doctor so they can be evaluated and get taken care of," he said. Riverton Hospital tracks pollen from a station on the roof, giving doctors an accurate measure of which allergens are in the air. You can view daily pollen counts here. Read more from your life your health.

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