Charlotte toward top of 100 worst allergy cities

CHARLOTTE — If you think you are sneezing, coughing and more congested this spring allergy season, you are right.

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America moved Charlotte up on the list of the 100 most challenging places to live with spring allergies. The Queen City jumped from 47th to 31st.

Freedom Park is packed with people enjoying warm air and blooming flowers. However, spring is bringing allergy sufferers like Charles Gaither a lot of problems. The yellow pollen is coating cars and even ponds.

"I can't stand it," Gaither said. "That could be in my chest, my nose, my mouth."

LINK: Allergy symptoms

"Every year the pollen count is increasing because Charlotte is growing and due to global warming, increased carbon dioxide, the pollen counts are higher this year compared to last year," said Dr. Sanjay Khiani of Family Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Care.

Khiani said sufferers will feel the most brutal symptoms between 5 and 10 a.m., when pollen counts are the highest.

" (The symptoms include) watery eyes, congestion, sinus inflammation, post-nasal drip, runny nose, but people don't realize fatigue can be a factor," Khiani said.

LINK: Pollen report from N.C. Division of Air Quality

Khiani recommends keeping windows to your home and car closed, and wearing sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.

If you have to go outside, Khiani said there are steps to take so pollen does not go home with you.

"Your hair can have pollen in it, and people don't realize that," Khiani said. "And when you're sleeping you're bringing pollen into your house and into the bedroom."

Khiani said tree pollen could be high through May, just in time for grass allergies to kick in.

WSOC