(File Photo: Source for Photo: There’s no cure for seasonal allergies, but prevention and treatment can help ease symptoms. It’s estimated pollen allergies cost more than $3 billion a year, nearly half of that for prescription medications.(Adobe Stock) Danielle Smith- Keystone News Service, Caption for Photo: Brunette woman sneezing in a field, struggling with seasonal allergies. High quality photo (Adobe Stock) Danielle Smith- Keystone News Service)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) The spring blooms may be pretty, but they are not always a welcome sight for Pennsylvanians who suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies affect about one in four adults and one in five children. Physician Assistant Skye Miller at UPMC Williamsport says it happens when the immune system overreacts to things like pollen and grass, causing symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. She says it can be helpful to try and modify your environment to not expose yourself to tree and grass pollen and outdoor molds. Also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, allergy symptoms are the same in kids and adults. Miller says over-the-counter nasal sprays and 24-hour antihistamines can help ease allergy symptoms, but if those aren’t working, it may be time to see a doctor or allergist to explore other options, like allergy shots.