Allergies – Mid Winter

Q: In mid-January, my eyes became really itchy, puffy, and swollen. This happened to me last year as well. Allergists say I am likely allergic to some sort of pollen. What is making pollen this time of year?

A: I can’t think of anything. The Atlanta Allergy Clinic (www.atlantaallergy.com) posts daily pollen counts and they report almost no pollen is being shed in January/February. Trees and grasses are cited as frequent allergy offenders but they won’t be releasing pollen until the weather warms up. In my opinion, you should look elsewhere for a cause of winter allergies.