March 13--TAMPA -- Jason Dominic is used to the congestion and coughing that come with allergies.
He's never seen a year like this, though. Dominic, 42, said this is the worst allergy season he's wheezed through in his 22 years in Florida.
"The trees are kind of screwed up," the Tampa resident said. "The plants don't know what to do, so the pollen is coming and going."
The atypical season has people seeking relief through acupuncture, health stores or traditional doctors.
Roberto Garcia, a Tampa doctor of allergy, asthma and immunology, said January and February in past years were slow times when he and his staff would sneak in some vacation time. This year, though, those were the busiest months.
"We're seeing more patients since the turn of the year," said Garcia, who has practiced for 25 years in Tampa.
He attributes the onslaught of allergy sufferers to the unusually warm January and February and expects the season to drag on longer than normal.
Allergy season usually begins in the first or second week of February. This year it started in early January, said Richard Lockey, director of the division of allergy and immunology at the University of South Florida's College of Medicine.
Lockey said he thought the season might end in mid-March because it started so early. But the recent spate of cool weather might change that, he said.
"I don't know when the season is going to stop," Lockey said. "I thought it would be stopping by this time, but it's not. It has been a confusing season."
For those suffering from allergies, Lockey recommends staying indoors with the air conditioning running. When driving, keep the windows shut and the air conditioner on, he said.
Use over-the-counter medications, if necessary. See a specialist if symptoms persist, he said.
"We have all sorts of medicines that can help people," Lockey said. "People shouldn't have to suffer."
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