Here in South Louisiana we are accustomed to the sniffles and sneezes of an early Spring day. The blooming flowers and potent pollen send many of us running to the drug store for over the counter remedies, tissues, and nasal spray. If you weren't aware, Spring isn't the only season that can bring on the symptoms of allergies. Fall brings its own set of allergens into the picture.

Dr. Sanjay Kamboj is a Professor with LSU Health Sciences and he tells the Louisiana Radio Network that ragweed is the main culprit for allergy sufferers this time of year.

Actually one plant can produce up to billions of pollen and they are mainly responsible for fall allergies.

Dr. Kamboj says the warm weather and high humidity that we have experienced this early fall season is actually prolonging the ragweed pollen season. Chances are if you're sensitive to ragweed you've already felt the presence of the pollen in the air.

Patients can have blocked nose or runny nose, sinus congestion, post nasal drip, watery eyes, and some people can even have itching of the skin.

Should you experience these symptoms obviously a call to your doctor or a visit to a walk in clinic might be your first step toward feeling better especially if you haven't confirmed the fact that an allergy is your issue. Most over the counter medications like Claritin, Zyrtec,and Allegra can help you manage those symptoms once you've been diagnosed. 

Here's another tip to ease your allergy issues, Dr. Kamboj says the peak time for ragweed pollen is in the middle of the morning, usually from 9a until 11am. If you can avoid outside activities in and around that time frame you just might be breathing easier the rest of the day.

More From 97.3 The Dawg