Spring and early summer 2017 was a challenging time for many people living with seasonal allergies in south-central Wisconsin. A news story about the allergy season included an interview with Mark Moss, MD, associate professor (CHS), Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. 

High tree pollen levels from oak, mulberry, maple, and birch species in bloom are causing problems for people with tree pollen allergies, and an overlap between allergy and cold and flu season caused confusion for many patients who aren’t sure what they are suffering from. 

“If you have itching ... itchy eyes, watery eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, clear drainage from your nose, it's more than likely to be allergy,” said Dr. Moss, explaining that colored mucus is indicative of a respiratory virus. 

Dr. Moss described treatment options including over-the-counter medications, allergy shots, and sublingual therapy.

Resources:

• "Allergy season in full swing in south-central Wisconsin," WISC-TV, May 12, 2017