Allergies and cold temperatures - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Sneezing, scratchy throat, itchy eyes. Sound familiar? If so, you may not be sick.

The huge temperature swing from 60 degrees earlier this week to now single digit temperatures can cause allergy symptoms to flare up, and it will likely only get worse.

We spoke to allergist Heidi Dunniway. She tells us the allergy season will likely start sooner this year.

"With the weather getting warmer and colder I think we may very well see an early pollen count rising. Trees are typically the first pollen that you see. Most often you see those in March. But last year we saw it in Mid February and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw that again this year."

Dr. Dunniway went on to say you can protect yourself by avoiding things that trigger your allergies, even this time of year.

"If you have a dust allergy wearing a mask while you're cleaning your house is a good idea. Often irrigating your nose with saline when you're done is a good idea. There are also foods you can avoid. For example, people with ragweed allergies can avoid melons during ragweed season to help decrease their sensitivity."

If you are suffering from allergies, antihistamines are usually the first line of defense. If that doesn't work you can get allergy shots, or even drops under your tongue that help.