MADISON, Wis. -- Spring might be in full bloom, but so is allergy season, according to local health officials.

Many people have long waged a battle with hay fever, which is the fifth most common chronic disease in the United States, officials said.

"Most people have seasonal hay fever," said University of Wisconsin allergist Dr. Mark Moss. "Seasonal allergies have a pretty good winter because the pollens aren't in the environment, but as soon as spring hits, whamo! They get hit with a very high pollen count very quickly. This results in a lot of sudden symptoms."

Some doctors recommend anyone suffering from hay fever use antihistamines, decongestants, drops and nasal sprays to combat symptoms, WISC-TV reported.

They said that many over-the-counter products can do the trick, but if stronger medicine is needed, they recommend seeing an allergist.