"It has been good to have all the rain and snow in this area, but that is going to cause different weeds and flowers to bloom that we haven't seen in a while and it is going to cause a lot of allergies," said Tombstone local Hermando Molina.

Many Arizonans tend to have more allergy issues than residents of other states.

"Arizona has more pollen problems than most, because we do not see many changes with the seasons," said Michael Daines, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Arizona. "It also does not rain on a normal basis here, which allows more exposure to pollen since it is not being washed away."

Allergy symptoms can include sneezing, congestion, coughing, itching and a runny nose.

Daines said spring tends to be allergy season because people have had time away from their winter allergies and it seems worse when the symptoms return.

"In the spring, it is trees like the palo verde, mesquite, and palm that can cause many problems with allergies," Daines said. "In the summer, various grasses like Bermuda grass aggravate the allergies, and the fall breeds the growth of weeds."

Many allergies are plant-related, but some indoor irritants include dust, pet dander and food. Others suffer from allergic asthma or eczema.

"Whether or not you develop allergies depends on your genetics and your exposure," Daines said.

Unfortunately, allergies are unpreventable, but there are various remedies and medications available to those affected.

"I usually start people off with over-the-counter medications," said Tony Roether, Tombstone's pharmacist. "If those medications do not relieve their symptoms, then I suggest they take a stronger prescription, which can be prescribed by their doctor or an allergist."

For those looking for non-medicinal remedies, Roether suggests the Neti Pot, which clears sinus cavities and provides allergy relief.

If you go:

The new family health clinic in Tombstone, opened in late 2009, operates Tuesday, Thursday and every other Friday under the care of Dr. Parag Patel. Tombstone residents already have many questions for their doctor, and below are some of the best.

How beneficial is taking zinc and what exactly does it do for the body?

Are there vitamins that really work for hair growth?
— Karin Haslauer

What are the benefits of vitamin K & D?
— Pamela Corrado

What is it about Tombstone that aggravates my allergies?
— Rajeane Kane

What is the best medication for arthritis?
—Gloria Cloughley

What causes cataracts in a person's eyes?
— Brian Doan

What is the best type of medication for back pain?
— Kevin Doan

Can Vitamin D do you any harm?
— Elizabeth Coleman

What's the cure for bartender's disease?
— Mike Jones

What is the best remedy for a hangover?
— Moe Beaulieu

What affects can alcohol have on your health?
— Stockton Helday

Are hand sanitizers really effective for helping ward off the H1N1?­

— Debbie Navarra