Oklahoma Doctor Discusses Allergy Issues, Offers Tips

We know allergies are part of life in the Sooner State, but they have come on strong this year.

It takes just a quick exam by Dr. Amy Darter of Oklahoma Institute of Allergy & Asthma to see LaToya Mace is like thousands of Oklahomans who are congested, have itchy eyes, scratchy throats and miserable.

"Having dry eyes really affects my day. It causes headaches. I get horrible headaches from it," Mace said.

Headaches lasting two to three days, sinus pain and pressure, are just some of the symptoms we are suffering from. Dr. Darter said ragweed is the biggest issue and arrived 10 days earlier than last year, because of the significant rainfall we got in the spring and early summer

"It can turn into a lot of postnasal drainage. The voice box gets irritated, you can lose your voice and you get so congested and backed up you can get a bacterial infection," Dr. Darter said.

Dr. Darter recommends seeing an allergy specialist who can customize a treatment plan. This is better than going through several non-effective over-the-counter medications. And for those who are weary of needles, Dr. Darter said only one out of three patients needs shots.

Usually prescription pills or nasal sprays can help. Also showering as soon as you get home can help you sleep better at night.