Chirping birds won’t be the only thing heard in the coming spring months. More than 40 million Americans will be sneezing and wheezing thanks to seasonal allergies. And according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), if spring comes early again this year, allergy symptoms will be intense and last longer than average.

“Many don’t realize that some trees begin pollenating in February, so treatment for the sneezing season should start now,” said allergist Dr. Steven McEldowney of Allergy and Asthma Care of Blakeney. “Although symptoms may not always be severe, seasonal allergies are serious.”

While there are common rules to live by in the spring, such as keeping your windows closed, there are lesser known spring allergy elements that can cause you more misery. To help those with seasonal allergies cope this spring, Dr. McEldowney and the ACAAI have put together the following list of surprising spring allergy facts.

• One Pollen, Two Pollen, Three Pollen, More – Every year is labeled as the worst for allergy symptoms, and there could be some truth to that. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, pollen counts slowly rise annually and are expected to double by the year 2040. This is due to economic growth, global environment sustainability, temperature and human-induced changes, such as increased levels of carbon dioxide. By making an appointment with your allergist in January or February, you’ll be well on your way to relief before symptoms start.

• Home Sweet, Hay Fever – Where you live can determine the severity of suffering you may feel. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) ranked Knoxville, TN. as the 2012 Spring Allergy Capital for the third consecutive year. No matter where you live, allergies can be a problem all year long. ACAAI recommends speaking with your board-certified allergist about treatment options and for tips on how to eliminate allergy triggers in your home environment.

• Treat Before you Sneeze – Taking your allergy medication should be done well before the first sneeze. Allergists recommend you begin treating two weeks before your symptoms typically surface. While there isn’t a cure for spring allergies, there is something close. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can modify and prevent disease progression. Track your symptoms and find relief with the MyNasalAllergyJournal.org.

• Pollens and Molds and Weeds, Oh My! – A mild winter may cause an early release of pollens from certain trees, and a longer season may be worsened by the priming effect. Once allergy sufferers are exposed to this early pollen, their immune system is primed to react to the allergens, meaning there will be little relief even if temperatures cool down before spring is in full bloom. If weather reports call for a streak of warm days, begin taking your medication.

• April Showers Bring More Symptoms – Not only will April’s showers bring more flowers, it might also cause more symptoms for spring allergy sufferers. Rain can promote plant and pollen growth. Wind accompanying a rainfall can stir pollen and mold into the air, also heightening symptoms. Allergists advise sufferers stay indoors when pollen counts are highest, which is often midday and afternoon hours.

Anyone with allergies and asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night. No one should accept less. If you suspect you have seasonal allergies, please contact Dr. McEldowney’s office at 704-752-3773 to schedule an appointment, or check out his website at www.allergyofblakeney.com.