BLOOMINGTON - Pass the Kleenex and the orange juice: Something-itis season is here. Nonallergic rhinitis, sinusitis and other upper respiratory infections have begun their seasonal rise in Central Illinois.

Urgent care doctors advise the usual comfort measures, but when those don't work, they want patients to come in and be evaluated.

"These (infections) can be minimized if we get people in (to see a doctor) early," said Dr. Lamont Tyler, medical director of OSF St. Joseph PromptCare in Bloomington and Normal.

Tyler is seeing a lot of nonallergic rhinitis - when the lining of the nose swells because of expanding blood vessels. He said the illness generally reappears around mid-September, but he began seeing cases this year in August, which he attributes to cooler-than-usual temperatures.

Because symptoms include runny nose and sore throat, some people think they have a cold, so they treat those symptoms, Tyler said. When symptoms don't improve after three to five days, the person may have nonallergic rhinitis and should see their doctor, Tyler advised.

The illness could lead to an upper respiratory infection, sinus infection and inner ear infection. Doctors may treat nonallergic rhinitis with a prescription nasal spray. Tyler suggests that people reduce their risk by taking a multivitamin.

At Carle Clinic's Convenient Care in Bloomington, Dr. Sam Moore is seeing sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus membranes; strep throat; and upper respiratory infections.

"It's pretty typical of what we see this time of year," Moore said.

Generally, about three to four weeks into the school year, some students get sick. In close proximity to each other at school, they pass their germs to other students, who then pass germs to their siblings and parents at home, Moore said.

"Everybody's burning the candle at both ends," so their resistance is down and their bodies are less able to fight off the infection, he said.

Moore recommends that people get enough rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet and take good care of themselves "to let your immune system do what it's supposed to do."

At the BroMenn Family Health Clinic in Normal, Dr. Christopher Waguespack is seeing mainly allergic sinusitis because of high pollen counts during ragweed season.

"That's typical for this time of year," said Waguespack, who recommends an over-the-counter antihistamine, a prescription nasal steroid and a HEPA air filter in the bedroom.