Do you get the sniffles in the spring? Ash, maple, and poplar the likely (tree) culprits sending pollen into the air.

With allergy season growing longer and longer every year in Metro Detroit thanks to climate change, those with spring allergies are urged to take conscious steps to help relieve or prevent symptoms.

Experts encourage people with a known history of allergies to begin their typical medications as early as they can -- about 2-4 weeks before their allergies might get triggered. Tree pollen typically becomes a problem in the early spring, while grass pollen worsens in the late spring, and ragweed comes a problem in the fall.

Some medications can take near-immediate effect, though, if you weren’t able to take allergy medicine far in advance.

People with springtime allergies are also encouraged not to open their windows when the weather is nice, in order to maintain a protective layer from the outside allergens. If spending time outside, people with allergies should change their clothes and shower when they get home to prevent pollen spread.

In general, it’s best to avoid spending a long time outdoors when allergen levels are high. If your allergy medications aren’t cutting it, or you’re getting recurring sinus infections or if the allergies are impacting your breathing, experts suggest visiting an allergist to narrow down the root cause.

People who are mixing multiple allergy medications should seek expert help to determine the best plan of action, as some allergy medications are not safe if mixed together.

Need help? Here are Dr. Frank McGeorge's tips for easing spring allergies.