It's that time of year.
The itchy throats and watery eyes mean allergy season is in full swing.
Nalini Packianathan M.D., MPH, an allergist with the Buffalo Medical Group says right now ragweed is the culprit and given the warmer temperatures, this allergy season could be a long one.
A study by Quest Diagnostics found that nearly 1 in 5 Americans suffer from allergies. Dr. Packianathan says right now her office is inundated with patients seeking for relief.
“Ragweed is basically a pollen that people have a lot of problems with,” Dr. Packianathan told 7 Eyewitness News.
“It is usually a single plant that goes just one growing season but it really packs the bunch for a lot of people because a lot of pollen grains are released into the air.”
She says when those ragweed pollens enter your body, your body develops histamines to fight them. That's when the symptoms -- runny or stuffy nose and itchy throat begin.
The allergist says if your symptoms are mild, over the counter medications should do the trick. Dr. Packianathan If your symptoms persist she recommends visiting your primary care physician or an allergist for a more personalized plan of attack.
