If those eyes are red, the nose is running and taking a leisurely walk through the neighborhood sounds more like punishment than a relaxing treat, doctors say you're not alone.

With recent rains and a few shifts in the typical pollination schedule, complaints of allergies have been high this season and likely will continue through at least May, area allergy specialists said.

"People are coming in saying this is one of the worst years they can remember," said Dr. Miguel Wolbert, who is a certified pollen counter for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

However, said Dr. John Bray, while complaints from Midlanders have been continual, the overall pollen count is not much different this year than in any other year. Today's pollen count is expected to be on the high end, coming in around 9.2 on the 12-point scale, according to pollen.com.

The difference started when Mulberry trees, which typically pollinate a few weeks ahead of the area's other trees, pollinated about two weeks late causing the area's pollination to be concentrated instead of spread out, he said.

Add the regular 20 to 30 mph spring winds and the unusual amount of rain, Wolbert said, and conditions have been tough for allergy sufferers.

It's estimated 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies, with mold as well as pollen from trees, grass and weeds being one of the most common problems, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Last week's rains, doctors said, should have provided a short break from the sniffling and watery eyes as the precipitation washed away much of the pollen in the air.

As temperatures climb into the 80s today, though, recent rainfall will make things worse, spurring additional growth among trees and flowers and increasing the mold — or fungus — count.

"It's definitely led to an earlier and longer season," Wolbert said, of this year's rains.

Bray said the first time temperatures warm after a rain it drives up the mold count for anywhere from three to six days since the increased humidity helps spread the fungi's spores.

"We'll have a fairly high mold count then that will peter out as things dry out," Bray said. "Typically the pollen count will shoot back up with a vengeance for quite a while because everything got a drink of fresh water and does better."

Certain people simply are genetically predisposed to be allergic to things, Bray said. If one parent has allergies, there's a 1-in-3 chance the child also will suffer. If both parents have allergies the chance increases to 7 in 10.

For some, trees are the trigger, for others grass and for those special few nearly everything that blooms or grows outside is an irritant.

Wolbert said allergies can be worse in West Texas than other regions, in part because constant winds kick up dust, which is an irritant for upward of 40 percent of allergy sufferers.

For those who recently have moved to Midland, doctors said, allergy problems may wane for awhile until the newcomer's body becomes accustomed to the region's pollens.

And while allergies typically worsen after that happens, Bray said, the good news is allergy problems do tend to drop off with old age.

"Their immune system seems to calm down some, probably because everything else is calming down," Bray said.

Wind also helps kick up mulberry pollen, doctors said, and can even blow in pollens from other parts of Texas.

For most, physicians said, over-the-counter remedies like Claritin or Zyrtex will do the trick. They also said nose rinses and salt water rinses can be helpful in combination with antihistamines.

If problems continue or if asthma issues worsen during allergy season then it's time to see a specialist, they said.

"Stay out of the wind," Bray said. "If still doesn't work go see your regular doctor."

Kathleen Thurber can be reached at kthurber@mrt.com.

Pollen count forecast

Today: 9.2

Thursday: 7.4

Friday: 6.3

*according to pollen.com, which rates pollen levels across the country on a scale of 12, with 0 being low pollen levels and 12 being high.

Tips for allergy sufferers

- Stay inside between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. when trees are pollinating.

- Avoid the wind. If you do go outside, wash your hands once inside.

- Those with pets should keep them off couches and beds during allergy season since they drag in and leave pollen wherever they lie down.

- Contrary to popular belief, eating honey from West Texas bees does not help allergies. Doctors said the amount of regional pollen you ingest eating honey is too minuscule to make a difference.

- Check with your local pharmacist for over-the-counter remedies before seeing a doctor.

- Try nasal and salt water rinses.