Listener supported, WNYC Studios.

It's the Brian Lear Show.

I'm producer Amina Sererna filling in for Brian today. It's that time of year again. Spring has sprung. The cherry blossoms are in bloom. But unfortunately, pollen is two. That's right. It's allergy season, sadly preventing so many from truly enjoying the warmer weather.

But how do these seasonal allergies work? And more importantly, how can we truly take back

spring from our immune systems? With us to walk us through everything on seasonal allergies

is Dr. Jennifer Toe, a practicing allergist and immunologist

at E&T and Allergy Associates, and a member of the Executive Committee of the New York

Allergy and Asthma Society. Welcome to the show, Dr. Toe. Thank you for having me. I'm happy to be here

today. And listeners, do you have a question for Dr. Toe? How are you trying to fight your seasonal allergies? Do you have any tips or tricks to share with your fellow listeners? We want to hear. Oh, we want to hear from you. Call or text us now at 212-433 W-NYC. That's 212-433-9-6-92.

Dr. To get us started, what kind of allergens are actually in the air at this point?

So right now in New York City and probably northeast and most of America, tree pollen is out in the air right now. That is the notorious pollen for springtime.

Is it mainly pollen or also mold spores? You know, mold spores can come out right now, but it's typically low. We may see it more in the fall when things get

a little more damp. But I think the major allergen that we're tackling right now is various tree

pollen. And for those who react to these allergens, what is actually happening inside the immune

system as we breathe these in?

So to put it simply, for those who are allergic to tree pollen, our bodies are reacting to it by having symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion.

It can affect our eyes with itchy, watery eyes. Sometimes people can feel

itchy. For patients who have asthma, their asthma can also act up. And for those with eczema,

their eczema can also flare. Listeners, how are you fighting your seasonal allergies? Do you want to give us any tips or tricks?

We can also just hear you call in and complain.

Give us a call now at 212-433 WNYC.

That's 212-433-96-6-9-2.

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