Rain, cooler temps leading to allergy problems

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- The rain and cooler temperatures is making things tough for allergy sufferers.

Allergy specialist Dr. Duane Wong said those with allergies usually see symptoms flair up this time of year in Arizona. However, with recent weather conditions, Dr. Wong is seeing those symptoms being more severe than normal.

"What we've seen in the past couple of weeks is a lot more rain, which puts moisture in the ground and the plants just love that," said Dr. Wong.

That rain is also coupled with cooler temps.

"So what we've seen is a very striking increase in pollen counts," said Dr. Wong, who also has some advice and recommendations.

"Make sure you shut your windows at night," said Dr. Wong, who says there's an increase right now in grass and weed pollen.

"The pollen counts here in Arizona tend to be worse after about 5:00 p.m.," said Dr. Wong. He recommends folks stay indoors at night.

For those who like to exercise outdoors, Dr. Wong recommends to do so in the morning.

If that and over-the-counter medication does not work, get tested for allergy shots.

"You always worry about long-term use of medication," said Dr. Wong. "That's part of the reason we think of doing allergy shots."

Alexis Holcomb told us it took a month of shots to get relief.

"A lot of the doctors suggested it takes time, but I saw symptoms and relief pretty off the bat," said Holcomb.

Experts, however, say it usually takes longer than that. According to Dr. Wong, for 80% of allergy suffers. it takes about six to 12 months of allergy shots for symptoms to subside.

Looking at the previous pollen count and forecast, the pollen had really spiked towards the end of September, and it's been continuously up and down since. Currently, the pollen count is in the medium range, and should stay that way for the next few days.

However, there may be a big spike this coming on Saturday, when rain is in the forecast.