With the coming warm weather, nature seems to just bloom back to life. While this is a beautiful transformation, many people also begin to experience an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, nasal and head congestion, itchy throat and tiredness, signaling the return of allergic rhinitis-better known as hay fever.

Hay fever is caused when a person comes into contact with an allergy-causing substance, like pollens, molds, dust and animal dander. Minimizing exposure to these substances can be helped by limiting time outdoors when the pollen and mold counts are high. You can find out the pollen count in your area by calling 1-800-9-POLLEN.

The Nebraska Medical Association recommends you contact your physician if you or a family member experience allergy-like symptoms. Your physician will develop a treatment plan with recommendations to help control your exposure to allergy-causing substances. In some cases, you may get a prescription for medication to combat your allergies.