Spring allergy season begins early

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Shifting temperatures during the past week have shifted more patients in and out of doctors' offices.

We've seen a little bit of everything the past week in Indiana. From snow, to rain, sunshine and even temperatures in the 60s.

"We've seen a sharp rise in earache complaints and sinus complaints during this change from warm to cold, and moist to dry," Dr. Leslie Bentinganan with IU Health Arnett said.

Dr. Bentinganan said the combination from Mother Nature this past week was the perfect recipe to send more people to the doctor's office.

"Especially those who are susceptible to sinus or allergy problems because they already have some swelling in their head or in their ear canals," Dr. Bentinganan said. "That causes pain, which can also lead to more agitation and other things." 

Dr. Bentinganan said just because winter is at its tail end, doesn't mean flu season is.

"Spring and warmer weather does tend to get people outside and less indoors, and they tend to have overall better health," Dr. Bentinganan said. "But it doesn't technically end the viral season." 

In fact, Dr. Bentinganan said believe it or not, the bug that keeps biting could stick around until the end of April or even early May.