Allergy season is starting earlier each year. Heres how to manage it. [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – If you feel like allergy season is coming earlier and earlier each year, you’re not wrong.

Research shows allergy season has been getting longer over the past few decades. A pollen count study found that climate change could be the reason. Researchers say allergy season is starting 20 days earlier on average, and pollen concentration has increased by about 20% since the 1990s.

Sarai Smith visits Wilmington frequently to see her family. She says whenever she’s in Wilmington, her allergy symptoms get worse. Even in her home state of California, though, she says she notices her symptoms earlier and earlier each year.

“It gets worse as flowers start growing more and grass starts growing more,” Smith said. “It seems like allergy season is getting longer. I experience red eyes, puffy face, and itching around my arms and my nose.”

Dr. John Boyle is an ear, nose, and throat doctor …