COLUMBUS, Ohio - Sneezing. Coughing. Itchy eyes. A lot of people in Ohio are dealing with these allergy symptoms.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked Columbus number 46 as the *worst in the country for spring allergies" in 2019. Toledo, Dayton, Cleveland, and Akron were also in the top 50.
Dr. Andrew Dang with Premier Allergy and Asthma says trees in the state are partially to blame.
"And if you look around everywhere we have a lot of trees and the trees here are the type that generate a lot of allergenic pollens. The ones we breathe and cause congestion, runny nose, post nasal drip, the drainage down the throat that causes throat clearing, our voice changes," the doctor explained.
Dr. Dang says climate also plays a role.
"It's because at this latitude, temperate climate, we have a lot of trees that have a lot of pollen that travel for miles in the air. They're very air-borne pollens, pollens that cause a lot of allergies and unfortunately, Ohio is right in that perfect temperature area."
There are a number of over-the-counter solutions that help people- sprays, steroids, and antihistamines. There are also oral treatments and shots.