Rough allergy season. Why?

WASHINGTON - A person might not have any allergy problems throughout their lives -- until they move to the D.C. area. Why does that happen, though?

There are several factors that contribute to the activation of springtime allergies in people who have never before suffered, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Allergist Heidi Eisenberg-Feig says.

One of the things that contributes to the onset of new allergies is the abundance of parkland and trees in the District. Pollen counts have been higher than ever this spring, Eisenberg-Feig says. That may be due to the brutal winter that socked the region.

"We had so much snow and so much moisture that it set up the soil for so much moisture and some really intense pollenation of trees," she says.

Maple, oak and ash trees have been the main culprits of high pollen counts this year.

Eisenberg-Feig says the best thing to do to limit allergy suffering is to keep windows shut and wash your hair and clothes after spending time outside.

WTOP's Tanya Snyder contributed to this report.

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