Sneezing like crazy? Seasonal allergies are in full swing, here's what you can do to help

Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman
·2 min read

After a series of warmer-than-usual March days, many Oklahomans are dealing with dreaded seasonal allergies.

Here's everything you need to know about the tree pollens currently causing allergies, and how you can treat your seasonal allergies.

What is causing allergies in Oklahoma right now?

Over the past week, tree pollen has been on high alert.

While the alert level went down to moderate on Monday, according to the Oklahoma Allergy Report, here are the trees that are putting out the most pollen and are the most likely culprits to blame for your itchy eyes and constant sneezing:

  • Cedar, part of the Juniper family

  • Sycamore, part of the plane-tree family

  • Elm

  • Oak

Thankfully, for all the allergy-prone Oklahomans, there are no grass or weeds present yet. Mold allergies are on a low alert, with the top three species causing allergies right now being Cladosporium, Ascospores and Alternaria.

Oklahoma allergy report

The Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic posts a new Oklahoma Allergy Report every weekday morning, found at oklahomaallergy.com/allergy-report.

For more details on the tree, weed, grass and mold species causing allergies, head to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology's website.

How to avoid seasonal allergies in Oklahoma

Washing your hands often, along with other recommendations, can help ease the effects of seasonal allergies.
Washing your hands often, along with other recommendations, can help ease the effects of seasonal allergies.

Those experiencing severe symptoms are advised to stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have pollen sensitivity or allergic bronchial asthma.

The allergy clinic also recommends the following to avoid allergy triggers:

  • Wash your hands often to avoid pollen sticking to your hands.

  • Limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high.

  • Wear a dust mask during outdoor tasks like raking leaves.

  • Don't wear outdoor work clothes inside the house.

  • Clean and replace furnace and air conditioner filters often.

  • Use a clothes dryer rather than outdoor lines.

How to find out what pollen I'm allergic to

LPN Gwendolyn Ball marks the back of patient Kyla Kaufman, from The Village, during allergy testing at the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic in Oklahoma City Wednesday, April 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
LPN Gwendolyn Ball marks the back of patient Kyla Kaufman, from The Village, during allergy testing at the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic in Oklahoma City Wednesday, April 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman

If you think you might have seasonal allergies but aren't sure, make an appointment with a local allergist.

Allergies can be diagnosed by applying a diluted allergen to the surface of your skin to see if there is a reaction.

Allergies can be treated with medicines like antihistamines.

The Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic's main office is at the Oklahoma Health Center campus, OU Medical Center on NE 13. Satellite offices are also in Edmond, Norman and Yukon.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma allergy report: What's making you sneeze, how to halt symptoms