JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Seasonal allergies are affecting many Mississippians, as trees, flowers and grass start to bloom.

“Right now, most people with nasal allergies are having sniffles, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, or drainage and just doesn’t feel good,” said Dr. James R. Haltom, an allergy specialists with the Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic. “If you’ve got asthma, you get cough and wheezing and shortness of breath and chest congestion.”

To combat allergies, Haltom recommended people take antihistamines or other medications for relief.

“There are a number of of readily available medicines over-the-counter Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra or are there generic forms of those available and the nasal sprays. Flonase or Nasacort, those are two that are available to help with nasal symptoms,” he said.

Doctors said it’s important to treat symptoms promptly. If they progress or worsen, that could cause a person to end up in the hospital.