The storm that keeps giving: Sandy to blame for rough allergy season

The allergy season is beginning, and this year could be more troublesome than usual in the region.

Hurricane Sandy provided extra moisture to add nutrients to trees, and that could boost the amount of pollen that will be produced, said Dr. Leonard Bielory, an allergy investigator at Rutgers Center for Environmental Prediction.

“Even the mild to moderate sufferers are going to feel the pinch,” he said. “They’re going to feel the tingle in their eye so to speak, and it’s going to get teary and then red, and it may progress and their nasal symptoms will get worse.”

Bielory says the allergy season can be troublesome for many people.

“When they’re perfectly healthy and they have allergies, it can interfere with their quality of life,” he said. “With missed work, with just not thinking, fogginess.”

Bielory says over-the-counter eye drops and nasal sprays can provide some relief, but those experiencing serious problems may need to see a doctor.

He says tree pollen will be the major problem until mid-May, then grasses will be the main concern through June. But wait, there’s more. After that, weeds will cause even more allergy problems.