Video: What allergy issues Tulsans will experience as fall begins

TULSA, Okla. — If you’re reaching for a tissue as you read this, one of two allergens could be to blame.

Dr. Weyman Lam, an allergy and immunology specialist at Saint Francis, says in the fall the biggest allergy culprits are ragweed and mold.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says ragweed pollen usually reaches peak levels in mid-September; causing what is known as hay fever, which affects as many as 23 million people in the U.S.

“The biggest one is going to be ragweed. IN the fall weeds are a major allergen,” he explains. “The other one is mold. Mold is gong to be huge.”

And the numbers are backing that this fall. Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic’s report shows grass and tree allergies in the medium to low range but mold is high and weeds the highest of all.

Very High Alert for weeds pollen (Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic)

Ragweed levels tend to be highest in the mornings, according to the ACAAI.

Now for some that can mean weeks of runny noses, itchy eyes and an itchy throat but others may not have a single symptom.

“It depends on who your parents are, what you’ve been exposed to and where you live,” Dr. Lam says, adding that some are just more allergic than others.

The other tricky part is distinguishing when its only allergies and when it is something more. Dr. Lam says if you have a fever or you feel run down and tired on top of it all you may have something more.

As you sneeze, yet again, know there is an end in sight.

“Whenever there is the first frost, a lot of the pollen comes down and patients tend to have less allergy problems,” Dr. Lam says. “Seasonal allergies are much more calm in the winter time.”

Some things to help until then include changing your air filters at home, taking your shoes off at the door, showering before bed, wearing a face mask outside and taking over-the-counter allergy medicines or nasal sprays.

If your allergies are severe, your doctor can do a test to determine what is bothering you then there are immunotherapy options.

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