BETHESDA, Md. (WUSA) - A lot of people are feeling the effects of the early blooms thanks to the mild weather we've been having lately. With flowersrs and trees in early bloom the allergies come early as well.
Karen Diamond, a Bethesda resident, said, "I am sniffling and sneezing and my eyes are bothering me because they are tearing and itchy."
Cyd McKenna, a DC resident, said, "I can't breathe, smell anything, and I have a constant headache."
Several weeks earlier than usual, some trees are starting to bloom, like the maple, apricot and even some types of cherry trees. Allergists in the DC area report patients are suffering form allergies at least a month sooner than usual.
Dr. Nirupma Rohatgi said, "This week we've had patients call to say 'I'm having symptoms, can I come in and start my medication or see you?' " Doctors warn it may be tough to tell whether you have a cold or allergy when it's still winter technically, but the main difference with allergies is you'll have an itchy nose or itchy eyes and no mucus in a runny nose.
Local pharmacies are also reporting they are stocking up on their allergy medicaton a lot sooner than usual. Pharmiacist Narendr Dhallan with River Rx in Bethesda, said "We're already seeing presciptions filled for inhalers, sprays and Allegra, things you would typically see at the end of February."
Allergy suffers worry it could be a long spring but doctors say it might not be the case.
Dr. Rohatgi said, "If it's a warmer spring, everything will move up two to three weeks. It does not necessarily mean it's going to be longer, it just may be sooner. "
A couple thing sto keep in mind if you're dealing with allergies right now: keep windows closed, take a bath or shower at the end of the day to ger rid of any pollen and if you take over the counter medication, it's best to take it at night. That's when it's most effective the next day when you encounter pollen again.