Philadelphia and Allentown areas among worst in the country for allergy sufferers, local doctor says

Perhaps you can hear it in our voices. We know you're feeling it as well. If you think your spring allergies are worse than typical, you're not wrong. Doctors say Philadelphia, Allentown, two of the worst areas for allergies in the nation right now. Action News reporter Katie Catro live in Gladwin with what's what is behind the spike in allergy symptoms. Katie, Sarah, and Brian, we're here at Riverbend Nature Center. And as you can see, I'm surrounded by a lot of trees. And while they look beautiful, they are causing a lot of problems for people who have allergies. For me, my allergies hit like a truck every single April. While this may look like a picture perfect day, walking through a heavily wooded area for some can be far from perfect. I arrive and I just start sneezing all over the place. Um, I have the thing with allergies where my eyes get a little red. All those strong side effects are from tree pollen. And he's not alone. The Philadelphia area and Allentown are the two worst allergy areas in the country. We're valleys. We're the Delaware Valley and the Lehigh Valley. Tree allergy season started in April due to late cold winter temperatures. According to local doctor Becker, people are suffering right now because primarily it's oak tree that's up. But there could be some relief in the future. With a little bit of luck, we may get lucky as early as tomorrow with rain that the oak tree may start dropping. And people who are ready to cut their eyes out because they're miserable, they may be happier because the oak will be done. For now, many are relying on medication and allergy shots to get them through the season. This spring's been awful. You can like feel it in your eyes and your nose, but the shots help tremendously. It's like the most beautiful season in the world, but every time I come every time I come over, I'm like doubled up on antihistamines. And the doctor we spoke with says tree pollen season usually ends around early June. Until then, you can try to limit your time outdoors or grab those sunglasses if you can when you go outside. Reporting live in Gladwin, Katie Catro, Channel 6 Action News. Brian, you got to hold on to that tissue box for a little bit longer. Trust me, it's just like immediate like 5 in away from me right now.