Combatting seasonal allergies in Indiana: Expert tips for relief

As the chorus of sniffles and “achoos” makes its way into the Circle City, the Indianapolis Recorder sat down with doctors and patients to break down seasonal allergies and how to curb them for the summer season. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, about 15%. David Curtis, a southside apartment maintenance worker, is one of them. “It’s just so hard,” Curtis said. “I will be working, and my nose is running. My face is itchy. It gets really bad when I have to mow the grass or trim the bushes.” Indiana is affected by a variety of allergens. In the summer, Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy grass and ryegrass are the main culprits. Weeds and tree pollen also play a significant role in pollen production in the spring and fall. Pollen levels range from low to very high and vary day-to-day, but Indiana’s pollen count is highest in the spring and summer. Curtis works in the elements every day, something that can lead to aggravated symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to Dr. Varon Cantrell, HealthNet’s chief medical officer. Common seasonal allergy symptoms can be any of the following: Sneezing Runny or stuffy...