CA Braces For A Epic Allergy Season

CALIFORNIA — Allergy sufferers in the Golden State may be in for a rocky few months in the wake of a historically wet winter and early spring. Experts say the same bountiful precipitation that toppled records over the last few months will lend to high pollen counts, making for particularly brutal allergy symptoms that millions struggle with each year.

One allergist told the Los Angeles Times that Californians who are sensitive to pollen could be in for a rougher than usual season as unpredictable winds carry the spores far and wide. The season for "hay fever," a common allergic response that impacts tens of millions of Americans, could persist for half of the year.

The heightened pollen levels can trigger asthma attacks.

But it's not just the high pollen counts causing runny noses and itchy eyes.

"That really harsh rain actually takes the pollen grains and breaks them up into smaller particles that are easily inhaled,"allergist-immunologist Dr. Salima Thobani, with Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center told ABC7.

Taking a look at the national picture last month, The Washington Post noted allergy activity began to ramp up across the U.S. before spring had even begun. The Northeast and South may offer some signs of what may lie ahead, where an exceptionally warm start to the year ushered in the season early, sending pollen counts rocketing. Tree pollen counts hit a new record in Washington, D.C., by February, and Atlanta reached "extremely high" pollen levels within a few weeks.

While no California city cracks the top 25 "allergy capitals" for tree, grass, or weed pollen ranked each year by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, there are already signs Golden State is heading in a similar direction this year.

According to Pollen.com, which charts daily allergy levels and pollen counts, most of California was already in the "medium-high" range by the first week of April, trending closer to "medium" from Chico northward but creeping toward "high" for much of the Bay Area and SoCal. Even higher counts in Inland Southern California could make for an especially bad hay fever season for allergy sufferers South of Fresno.

Right now, some of the top allergens around the Bay Area include Ash, Alder and Juniper. Around Los Angeles, they include Mulberry and SweetGum.

The wind makes it difficult to avoid allergens altogether, but there are a few things people can do to reduce the severity of their symptoms, including keeping windows shut and scheduling outdoor activities outside the midday peak for pollen activity.

Here are a few more pointers from Blue Shield of California:

• Keep the pollen out - When possible, keep windows closed if allergies are bothering you. Air filters and purifiers help keep the air within homes and buildings clean, reducing pollen, dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and other irritating particles.
• Consider over-the-counter medications – Many effective anti-allergy drugs are now available over the counter.
  • Antihistamines. Non-sedating antihistamines include cetirizine (brand-name Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) which, when taken as directed, help with seasonal allergy symptoms. Though these medications are generally well-tolerated, their side effects vary. If one doesn't work well for you or causes side effects, try another type.
  • Nasal Sprays. Also available over the counter these provide short-term relief from nasal allergy symptoms. Examples are triamcinolone acetonide (Nasocort); fluticasone (Flonase) and budesonide (Rhinocort).
  • Decongestants. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. Sometimes decongestants are combined with antihistamines. If you have other chronic medical conditions, like high blood pressure, you should check with your doctor before starting an over-the-counter medication.
• Exercise. Exercise causes the blood to circulate, helping to clear nasal passages and reduce allergy symptoms. Exercising indoors during periods of high pollen counts can minimize your exposure to allergens. In the long term, being physically fit supports overall health and strengthens the heart and immune system, helping to reduce allergies.