Fall allergy season in full swing

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Fall season may be unpleasant for allergy sufferers.

The warm and dry weather has some experts concerned about an extended allergy season.

Local residents are already feeling the effects.

"This month has been pretty bad, but I'm getting along, " said Cathy Paquin of Pawtucket. "Some allergy pills and I'll be alright."

Experts say we're right in the thick of ragweed season and the past few days have brought no rain to wash the irritants away.

"The weather has been nice and dry, so every day we're seeing significant levels of ragweed pollen blowing around and people have been quite symptomatic," said Dr. Russell Settipane of Allergy & Asthma Center of Providence.

Dr. Settipane says the severity of symptoms vary from person to person.

Ragweed levels usually drop significantly with the start of Fall, but a warm, dry stretch can sometimes extend the season.

"There are a lot more new medications that have become available this year, so there's a way to find relief," said Dr. Settipane.