Calls to allergy specialists are on the rise this week as pollen levels spike across the valley.
The National Allergy Bureau reported high levels of tree pollen for Las Vegas.
Dr. Sean McKnight from Allergy Partners of Nevada in Henderson says he's seen a spike in people calling his office looking for relief.
Several people 13 Action News spoke with at Sunset Park say they've already seen yellow pollen in their backyards and are suffering everything from sneezing to runny noses and watery eyes.
McKnight says shots are effective in handling severe cases of allergies. Over the counter medications can work too, but you may have to be patient for them to take effect.
He also says nasal sprays over the counter can work for clearing your sinuses.
McKnight says just because we live in a desert, doesn't mean we're immune from pollen.
"The rain will wash it away, but once that dries up, the pollen will be back," he says.
He says if you're new to Las Vegas from somewhere else, it may take 2 to 5 years before you start getting new allergies here.
McKnight says there are also some easy things you can do at home to avoid allergies. He says you should change your air filter every 3 months. You can also take showers at night before bed, so you can make sure you wash off any pollen you may have picked up outside.
He says peak pollen allergy season will continue through June.
