For allergy sufferers this is typically a tough time of the season, but this year, allergy symptoms have been especially bad.
"This year, a lot more runny nose, itchy eyes, and even asthma at times," said Joyce Valdez, allergy patient.
"They are pretty bad this spring. It prompted me to come again. In the past month or so it's been increasing redness, irritation around the lip area," said Karn Clanton, allergy patient.
Karn's physician, Dr. Juanita Mora, has recently seen a spike in patients complaining of a variety of ailments
"Pollen counts are off the charts, as far as trees and molds at this time, especially after this weekend. We are seeing pediatric and adult patients with very likely symptoms of itchy eyes, nasal congestion, post nasal drip, really uncontrolled symptoms," said Dr. Mora.
While there is no cure for allergies, medication and shots can at least partially subdue allergy symptoms.
Dr. Joseph Leija at the Loyola University Health System in Melrose Park takes pollen measurements from the hospitals roof every morning. He expects a sharp rise in the pollen count over the next few days.
"When the pollution is high, everything is stagnant, and pollen doesn't fly around much. On days like this, nice and clear, windy, you know, then the pollen goes up," Dr. Leija.
The good news is that by the end of May, the spring allergy season will end, and those suffering from allergies will get a little relief.
