Spring allergies can sneak up on people. If you’ve been rubbing your eyes, sniffling and sneezing, you could be suffering from allergies. 

When spring comes to Minnesota, trees pop with pollen and melting snow releases mold spores into the air. Both of these are common allergens that can trigger an overactive immune system response. 

One in every four adults and one in five children have seasonal allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For people with allergies, symptoms can also include a sore throat, coughing, fatigue and even wheezing for people who have allergy-triggered asthma. 

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get allergies under control. And, that will only become more important as climate change lengthens the pollen season and makes some plants produce more pollen. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what’s happening with allergies and how to manage symptoms. 

Guests: 

• Dr. Pramod Kelkar is an allergy and asthma specialist with Allina Health who practices in Blaine, Maple Grove and Woodbury. 

• Kenneth Mendez is president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a national patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, which is involved in support, advocacy, education, and research. 

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