If you think your allergies are worse this year than ever before, you may be right!
And the reason could be Global Warming.
Local doctors are seeing the intensity of allergies increase. So for many people, the drugs that used to work for them in the past, aren't doing the trick anymore. For most people Spring is allergy season. But this Summer some people say their allergies are still going strong and for some they're stronger than ever.
" I think this year they're worse. Usually, I've been pretty good with prescription medications and this year it's just not cutting it," said Heather Arnold, suffers from allergies, Camp Hill.
" It's probably lasting longer I can say that yeah and I'm not from the area, so moving here it's been horrible," said Jasmine Belser, allergy sufferer, Harrisburg.
"Just runny nose, congestion all that stuff. It's more annoying than anything," said Paul DeAngelo, allergy sufferer, Harrisburg.
A recent report from the National Wildlife Federation found that Global Warming will likely increase pollen counts in heavily populated eastern sections of the country. Pennsylvania is listed has being one of the "hot spot" states at risk of high increases in allergenic tree pollen. But Doctor Robert Zuckerman says, this time of year, weeds and mold are making people suffer.
" And so with this hot, dry weather, it tends to make these things buoyant in the air and people breath it in and get symptoms from it," said Robert Zuckerman, M.D., Allergy Immunologist.
And while Dr. Zuckerman's main treatment is allergy shots, Pharmacist Al Kinsky says there are over the counter medications, like eye drops and pills, that should help.
" It is very important to take your medication daily. So that's the biggest thing if you are suffering from these symptoms it's important to take medication daily. You won't get better if you don't take your medication," said Albert Kinsky, Pharmacist, Giant Foods.
The National Wildlife Federation says allergies and asthma already cost the U.S. nearly 33 billion annually in direct healthcare costs and lost productivity.
