Many of us love the outdoors. But the outdoors doesn't always love us. Seasonal allergies are really making some people miserable right now.

"It's been horrible," shared Valerie Christiansen, of Duluth. "It's been a really bad year for us." She and one of her children rely on Zyrtec, and she has some extra drops for her eyes and ears, as well.

They're not alone. Dr. Minto Porter, an allergist with Essentia Health, told us, "It has been a difficult allergy season for many patients."

She explained that May is notorious for having both tree pollen and grass pollen overlap. But relief may be in sight. "Tree pollen usually starts to dissipate by the end of May. If you're allergic to birch, oak, and maple, it will start to get better in the next couple of weeks."

Grass pollen can run through July, she said.

The lack of rain isn't helping either, since raindrops can also help dissipate the pollen.

Porter said we are starting to see longer pollen seasons, with plants releasing even more allergens than they have in the past.

She said it's important to start the medications earlier in the year, before the pollen counts are high. 

Many adults may have other allergies as well, like dustmites, before spring. So you should try and get those under control before pollen starts flying. And you can always see a doctor, if you're concerned.

If you're an asthma patient, make sure you have all of your medications ready to go. 

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/news/allergy-season-sneeze-sniffle-spring-pollen/6111245/?cat=10335