Fighting Allergies

By: Eunicia Baker/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: March 21, 2008

Spring is in the air. While some say it's one of the most beautiful times of year, allergy sufferers might say the opposite.

Greenville allergist, Dr. Paul Mehlhop says this is the time of year when the tree pollen counts are especially high. But there are steps you can take to keep the side affects at bay.

Dr. Mehlhop says allergy shots are a good way to lower pollen exposure’s effects. And skin tests are the best way to determine the type of allergy you may have. Dr. Mehlhop said, "I would say people on the shots generally are doing better than people who are not on the shots."

Before visiting the doctor’s office, Lowe’s Hardware store’s Assistant Manager, Brandon Bertges says their store might be a great place to find allergy reducing products like micro fiber dusting clothes, and pollen catching air conditioning filters. Humidifiers and vacuums equipped with hepa filters are also useful air purifiers.

Dr. Mehlhop also suggests that showering and washing hair along with storing dirty clothes in hampers, washing machines, or driers after spending time outside, will reduce indoor pollen exposure.