Some allergy sufferers in the Indianapolis metro area are convinced their symptoms are worse this Summer than summers past. Immune systems are in overdrive because of the pollen count that could be reduced with some rain.
"Being outside is so irritating," joked Rachel Baumgartner, an allergy sufferer. She was only partly joking.
"This Summer, I haven't had to do prescription allergy medicine. Until now, I had to go back to my doctor and get Flonase because it was so bad."
"You get the headaches and the snuffy nose and all," said Cheryl Hardacre, who said nasal surgery has helped her out some.
"We're feeling the effects of a weed pollen season that's starting and really high mold counts," said Dr. David Patterson, an allergist and immunologist.
Dr. Patterson also said there was an extremely high tree pollen count in the unseasonably warm spring so allergy sufferers have been feeling the effects for quite some time.
"When people wouldn't have been used to having problems in March, they got slammed in March and early April because the weather was so warm and the trees started pollinating early."
One of his patients, Matthew Woods, received three allergy shots Thursday night. He also said his allergies have been worse.
"Coughing, sneezing," said Woods.
The air quality has also been worse this summer. Indianapolis could see record Knozone Action Days because of unhealthy ozone levels.
Baumgartner said her plan makes sense.
"Sleeping indoors with some air-conditioning, fully taking the lazy route, and that's what I'm doing, and it's totally working."
Patterson said the ideal weather for most allergy sufferers in coming days is more moderate heat and some rain.
