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CHICAGO, ILL. (AP) -- Spring is here and for 40 million Americans, that means allergies, but doctors say that doesn't mean patients have to suffer.

The first symptoms are expected to arrive within the next week in Illinois.

Allergy specialist Dr. Anju Peters at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers these tips for keeping those symptoms from being too troublesome.

First, if you've never been diagnosed, see a doctor to make sure it's an allergy.

If so, watch mold and pollen counts, and stay indoors at peak times.

Remove and wash clothing worn outside, and shower to rinse allergens from your body.

Peters says over-the-counter remedies can work for mild symptoms.

If they don't, discuss other options with your doctor, including allergy shots.

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