Pollen counts in Cape Girardeau increased by more than 400 percent over the past month, signaling the start of ragweed season.

The counts showed an increase Thursday of nearly three times what it had been on Wednesday. But hay fever sufferers don't have to know the numbers to tell th em ragweed is in bloom.

The good news for hay fever sufferers is that the ragweed season typically last only six week s. Usually ragweed season starts in mid-August, but the season has been delayed a bit this year because of the dry weather and temperature.

Dr. Michael Critchlow, allergy and immunology specialist in Cape Girardeau, said that while many different plants are contributing pollen to the total count, ragweed is the main culprit. "Ragweed makes more pollen than the rest of the weeds put together," he said. "If you have hay fever, you are going to be miserable."

Critchlow said hay fever symptoms include sneezing, red, watery eyes, clear nasal drainage, sometimes a cough, and an itchy nose and throat. People with asthma can have quite severe reactions like chest tightening and wheezing.

Typically those with hay fever feel worse when they go outside.

Over-the-counter antihistamines and eye drops will help control symptoms. Critchlow said prescription drugs are also available that can help. A prescription, steroid nasal spray is quite effective, he said. And prescription antihistamines may cause less drowsiness as over-the-counter versions.

Allergy shots can be another answer, Critchlow said. "People who have an occasional case of sneezing don't need shots. But those who feel like they are being exiled to stay inside certainly should consider allergy shots."

Critchlow said shots to control pollen allergies are particularly effective. Shots to control mold allergies don't always have the same results.

The most common mold spore in Southeast Missouri is cladosporium. Critchlow said the mold likes humid climates and thrives in farm fields.

The mold count may go higher as the fall progresses and farmers are working in their fields, stirring up the mold spores.

The bad news for those with an allergy to molds is that unlike ragweed and other pollens, molds don't know a season. "Molds kind of rock along most of the year," Critchlow said.

While sneezing and stuffy noses are typical allergy symptoms, Critchlow said these could be signals of something else. Chronic sinus infections and other nasal infections often mimic allergy symptoms.