Newswise — As far back as February, people marveled at the warm weather many states experienced this winter. Now spring has officially sprung in some areas, and with spring comes sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes for some of the 50 million Americans with allergies.

“Pollen counts here in Atlanta are already high,” says allergist Stanley Fineman, MD, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “We’ve had 14 inches of rain in 2016 compared to 9 inches in 2015. Trees love rain – so we can anticipate more spring pollen this season. People across the country who suffer from spring allergies are probably already noticing increased symptoms.”

Another factor in increased pollen are the longer days that come with spring. “Longer days produce more pollen,” said Dr. Fineman. “As long as temperatures are above freezing for a few days, pollen begins circulating.”

Dr. Fineman is available to comment about the start of the spring allergy season. He can also discuss what factors will predict the severity of this season, as well as tips on how best to cope with allergy symptoms.

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