This year’s spring has been particularly brutal to those with allergies, but a possible increase in rain may wash out pollen and bring some much-needed relief.

“We’re seeing a whole lot of it (allergies) right now,” said Dr. Anthony McLeod of the Southern Head and Neck-Surgery Allergy and Sinus Center P.C. “The last six weeks have been the worst.” His center has seen an average of 175 patients a week over the last several weeks, half of which had allergy problems.