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Spring allergy season kicks into Hampton Roads

Posted at 5:51 PM, Apr 22, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-22 17:51:38-04

Chesapeake, Va. (WTKR) – Spring has finally arrived in Hampton Roads and the blooming flowers and blossoming trees are bringing with them the start of allergy season.

“I think we are off to a pretty quick start to allergy season this year,” explained Dr. Mark Hippenstiel, a physician with Patient First.

He’s already seeing patients come in with all of the classic spring allergy symptoms.

“Lot of patients coming in with a runny nose, coughing, scratchy throat, itchy eyes, a lot of irritation, asthma flare ups as a result of allergens as well,” Dr. Hippenstiel told NewsChannel 3’s Todd Corillo.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the Virginia Beach area 66th on its list of “The Most Challenging Places to Live with Spring Allergies.”

Dr. Hippenstiel says pine trees are among the biggest offenders when it comes to allergens in Hampton Roads.