No End In Sight For Allergy Sufferers

If You’re suffering from allergies right now, you aren’t alone.

Board Certified Allergist Dr. Erin Rhoman said the Upper Cumberland has a very high pollen count right now.

“Right now we are having a really high tree pollen count. We’ve seen Burch Tree, Oak Tree, and Pine Tree pollen just to name a few,” Rhoman said. “Grass is on the moderate side and often we think of grass as being a summer pollen, but it’s already out this year.”

Rhoman works with the Cookeville Allergy, Asthma, and Sinus Center. She said the office has seen a high number of patients with flare ups from allergy symptoms, but that’s typical for this time of year.

“I have patients who feel it’s their worse allergy season ever, but really I would say this is typical counts for us,” Rhoman said.

If you’re suffering from allergies, Rhoman recommends staying away from the things that give you allergic reactions.

“If you are driving in the car, keep the windows rolled up and use the air conditioner to keep that pollen out,” Rhoman said. “Don’t open the windows at home.”

She also recommends using some over-the-counter medications like antihistamine tablets and allergy nose sprays.

“A lot of times it’s best to see a doctor for those if you are unsure of what you are picking up,” Rhoman said. “They can have side affects.”

If the above recommendations don’t work, Rhoman said you can try skin testing to see if allergy shots would be appropriate. The skin testing involves some simple scratches to the back and occasionally some small needles that barely go underneath the skin on the arm.

Unfortunately, Rhoman said the end of allergy madness doesn’t seem to be in sight.

“I would love to say the end is in sight, but I think we are in peak season right now,” Rhoman said. “Tree pollen will be going away in the next four to six weeks, but with grass pollen already out, I think that says we’re going to have a pretty intense summer.”