Allergies Now In Full Bloom

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As beautiful as this weather is, it's bringing with it those runny noses, scratchy throats and watery eyes.

Jessica Kartalija reports allergies are now in full bloom.

With unseasonably warm temperatures, trees and flowers are blooming early and that's wreaking havoc on our sinuses.

With temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above normal, what's not to love about this spring weather? But for those of us who suffer from allergies, they're anything but a walk in the park. During pollen season, plants like ragweed, cattail and maple trees release pollen to reproduce. Not all of the pollen reaches its target. Instead, it lands on us!

Unfortunately, while the allergy season may have kicked in a little earlier, it doesn't mean the length of the season will end any earlier.

"The allergy season is varied and not fully predictable. Maryland always has a significant allergy season. It may come at different times but the curve of time is usually the same," said allergist Dr. Michael Mardiney.

Right now, the pollen count in Maryland is considered high. Allergists say pollen counts this high this early in the season is unprecedented.

"I have sensed over the past two weeks that more patients have complained," Mardiney said.

But some say sinus pressure is a small price to pay.

"I will take the good weather with the allergies because they have medication for it," Paula Sluss said.

Doctors say you may want to try a few over the counter medications, like Zyrtec or Allegra, before deciding which one is right for you.

In Maryland, allergies to oak pollen, orchard grass and ragweed are most prevalent.