x
Breaking News
More () »

Tough Spring for Those with Allergies

DUNMORE — Spring has finally sprung in northeastern and central Pennsylvania and so has allergy season. “Since everything started to bloom, I’...

DUNMORE -- Spring has finally sprung in northeastern and central Pennsylvania and so has allergy season.

"Since everything started to bloom, I've been having quite a few problems with my breathing," Steven Guziewicz said.

He's not alone.

We stopped at Dr. Jakub LeKach's office in Dunmore. He says many of his patients are seeing symptoms.

Remember that cold, snowy winter we just had? Dr. LeKach says the cold weather that extended into spring is a problem.

"When the weather gets warm immediately like this and plants have bloomed in a short time to reproduce, most likely the pollination will initially be quite intense," Dr. LeKach said.

Dr. LeKach believes people who suffer from allergies may be feeling the symptoms for a while.

"There are many variables, but according to all the signs from the earth and sky right now, I think we're going to have a pretty much bumper crop," Dr. LeKach said.

"Last year was better. This is a pretty bad year," Jerri Bianculli said.

Bianculli is one of Dr. LeKach's patients. She says she didn't have allergies as a kid. She admits she misses those days.

"I'm sneezing. My nose is dripping, coughing. I had a little wheezing," Bianculli said.

"We recommend something like Claritin, our store brand, or Zyrtec," pharmacist Michele Pusateri said.

Workers at DePietro's Pharmacy in Dunmore say it's been busy this allergy season. While it's to be expected every spring, they've noticed a difference this year.

"We've noticed an increase in the number of customers coming in, complaining about the symptoms of allergy season. Runny eyes, itchy nose. It's just really annoying and uncomfortable," Pusateri said.

Pollen levels right now are particularly high for oak, birch and maple.

Dr. LeKach said that some people might not get allergy relief until July.

Before You Leave, Check This Out