CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Seasonal allergies started affecting some North Carolinians before spring officially arrived.

Christina Bonner started experiencing them back in February when some trees were already blooming.

“I was itchy, my eyes, my nose, my ears. I was sneezing a little bit,” Bonner said. 

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Relief of Charlotte Medical Director Dr. Maeve O’Connor said her patients are describing similar symptoms.

“It’s a little bit early this year than it was last year, but the symptoms I’m seeing in patients is the same as last year and years past,” O’Connor said. 

According to our meteorologists, several areas of North Carolina have had medium to high levels of pollen since last month. 

“We ask them to not go outdoors during the midday when pollen counts are the highest. We also recommend antihistamines, either by mouth and antihistamine nasal sprays,” O’Connor said. 

When this doesn’t work, O’Connor recommends allergy shots or drops.

“These are all the trees we have in Charlotte. Depending on the patient’s sensitivities, we’ll decide how to make their specific, individualized allergy serum,” O’Connor said. 

Bonner prefers natural remedies to alleviate nasal congestion. 

“Because of the sinus drainage, peppermint is good for soothing, the coolness of it is good for soothing a sore throat,” Bonner said. 

The massage therapist also takes a garlic capsule and a teaspoon of honey and a daily nasal spray as a preventive measure. 

If she has symptoms indicative of a potential sinus infection, a lymphatic drainage massage she’s trained to do works for her. 

“The pressure is always gentle but deliberate,” Bonner said. 

O’Connor said some people are also having an increase in asthma symptoms.

This week, Charlotte, Raleigh and Asheville will have medium to high pollen, according to pollen.com.