Seasonal allergies can be worse in Hampton Roads than in other places. Here's why.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — If you have been suffering from seasonal allergies this year, you are not alone.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 81 million people suffer from allergies across the U.S. and plenty of those numbers come from Hampton Roads.

"Easily about half the people I ask have some type of seasonal allergy," said Megan Probasco, a family nurse practitioner with Riverside Health System. 

The problem comes from all the pollen in Hampton Roads. According to 13News Now's meteorologists and Probasco, Hampton Roads has one of the longest flowering periods for plants in our area. This means there is more time for pollen to spread. 

In fact, Virginia Beach recently ranked as the second worst city for allergies. It is only behind Wichita, Kansas.

RELATED: Virginia Beach named as one of worst US cities for people who have allergies

"You might only develop allergies once you get here as well," said Probasco. "For example, if you don't have allergies here and you went to the Midwest there would be different types of pollen spores and things like that."

Allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, swollen eyes and itchy nose, eyes or ears.

It is important to manage your contact with pollen if you have seasonal allergies.

Ways to manage your contact with pollen include checking pollen counts daily, removing your shoes before entering your home, changing/washing clothes after outdoor activities, wiping furry animals off when they come inside, showering before bed to keep pollen out of your bed and keeping windows closed during the pollen season.

RELATED: FORECAST: Wet and windy start to the weekend

Probasco said while over-the-counter medicine can help alleviate symptoms, you may need to check with your local provider if problems continue, or if you have a lot of health-related issues.

"We don't always want you to take those over-the-counter medications because while they may be safe for the general population, they may not be safe for you," said Probasco. "Certainly something to talk to your primary care provider about if you have other medical concerns and are on a lot of other medications, as there could be an interaction."

As we continue to deal with the pollen over the coming months, 13News Now will keep you informed with daily updates on the levels we are seeing, and forecast when things may change in the coming days.