Why 2018 could be a bad year for seasonal allergies

Budding trees and blooming flowers. What's there not to like about spring? Allergies.

More than 50 million Americans experience allergies in some capacity each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But doctors say this year, in particular, may be worse for seasonal sufferers.

"Patients have had very little time to adjust from the harsh winter that we had into the spring," said Dr. Gina Coscia, an allergist and immunologist at Northwell Health.

A colder than usual April delayed early pollen production. But now with warmer weather, trees are essentially making up for lost time by releasing massive amounts of pollen.

While sneezing and sniffles are symptoms of the common cold and seasonal allergies, Dr. Gina Coscia said there are a few key differences between the two. People coping with allergies generally feel uncomfortable but not debilitated and don't have a fever.

If you have allergies, should take your medicine at the beginning of the season but is not too late start because allergies can last through the fall, Dr. Coscia said.

"Some patients are just sensitized to tree pollen, which is our springtime pollen, grass pollen, which is our summertime pollen, and weeds, which are the fall pollens," she said.

The mornings are the worst for pollen. Doctors recommend keeping the windows closed, especially this time of year.

"I recommend as soon as [you] come in the door after a long day, take your clothes off and put them in the washing machine," Dr. Coscia said. "Make sure to take a shower before you go to bed at night."

Doctors recommend testing for anyone showing signs of allergies and may not have in the past. And consider yourself lucky if you just don't have them or grew out of them.