Hay Fever Season is Upon Us
Posted in Allergies on March 9, 2011
February marks the beginning of the seasonal allergy season (hay fever). Trees, the earliest culprits, become active in February: juniper/cedar, birch/hazelnut and alder are the first, followed by many other allergy-causing trees. Humidity and precipitation tend to reduce the amount of tree pollen in the air. On dry, windy days tree pollen will increase. Tree pollen season usually starts to wind down by May although several trees continue pollinating through June. These allergens are usually followed by grasses and weeds later in the season.
Some tree pollens surprisingly are not allergen sources. Yellow/green dust on the hood of your car is tree pollen but also very heavy and as such does not remain airborne long enough to be a significant source of allergen, although it can be irritating to nasal mucosa. Allergenic tree pollen comes from trees that produce pollen particles so small, virtually invisible, they can remain airborne for extended periods of time and be carried long distances by the wind. An allergic individual can be affected by a tree many miles away.
There are ways to combat allergies and allergens. Avoidance may be practiced by restricting outdoor activities when pollen counts are highest. The pollen count and forecast for your area may be found at www.pollen.com. Car windows should remain up and windows in houses closed. For symptoms, over-the-counter antihistamines may be helpful. Your doctor can assist you if symptoms persist.
Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify specific allergies. The information obtained through allergy testing will assist the physician in recommending a course of treatment. The physician may recommend prescription medications and, in some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops).
NWFace provides on-site allergy testing and immunotherapy. Drs. Allegra, Ummat Shah are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of seasonal and perennial allergies and will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Sincerely,
Steve Reise