Blame it on the rain.

All that wet weather in the spring that lingered well into summer is the main reason many in North Idaho are experiencing more severe allergies this year.

"It is grass pollen," said Dr. Richard Henry, owner of Asthma & Allergy of Idaho in Coeur d'Alene. "The normal grass season is from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July. With the cool weather and the rain, it grew but it didn't pollenate. Instead of happening in eight to nine weeks, it is all coming out in three to four weeks. The pollen count is higher."

Tree pollen also peaked, and the result is excessive levels of irritants in the air, which is causing many who normally do not have allergy issues to complain of itchy and watery eyes and worse.

Even some who are regularly treated in advance because of known allergies are requiring stronger or more treatment, Henry said.

"People are complaining about chest congestion, coughing and wheezing," he said.

In fact, with the exception of fever, the symptoms are similar to colds.

"The medicine they normally take, like Claritin or Zyrtec, one pill is not doing the job," Henry said.

The clinic has been packed in recent days as a result.

"I don't want to say people have been begging and pleading, but all three of us have been busy," he said. "People are missing work to see me, they are so miserable."

The reactions have been serious enough in some cases that the treatment of last resort, Prednisone, a steroid, is being prescribed for some with the worst cases of allergic reactions.

"We try to minimize it to two to five days," Henry said. "I tell people the list of side effects is longer than their arm."

Bruce Holthe, mowing a lawn in Post Falls, tries to avoid any medications in spite of serious irritation from the pollen, because he is a professional truck driver.

Scratchy, watery eyes and even nosebleeds have been the result this year.

"When I mow, when other people mow," he said.

Some patients at the clinic who have never had allergies are even experiencing asthma-like symptoms, which can be serious.

"I take asthma very seriously," Henry said. "If people don't realize the problem it can mean an emergency room visit, and they can run up a big bill."

A visit to an allergist if allergies become serious can prevent that, he said.

Jennifer Watson, nurse practicioner at the clinic, said there are precautions those with allergies can take to minimize the risk.

"The pollen is highest from 5 to 10 a.m.," she said. "You might not want to take your morning jog."

At night, close windows to prevent pollen infiltration, she said.

Pollen is also worse on windy days. A dust mask wouldn't hurt when outside, especially when mowing or doing other yard work. And taking an antihistamine an hour or so before working outside can also prevent the onset of allergies.

And once finished, get the dirty clothing off and hit the shower to wash away residues.