Spring is early this year and so is the allergy season. The trees have started budding and there has been an explosion of pollen. We have 35 species of evergreens, 60 species of oak, olive, eucalyptus, sycamore and box elder trees all pollinating in this area. Include in the equation grass pollens and spring flowers coming into bloom and you have the prime allergy season. Even people without allergies are sneezing because of increased particulates in the air, being blown everywhere by the wind. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing and sinus headaches are the cardinal symptoms and main complaints of patients who suffer from allergies.
Besides the pollens that are usually the culprit of allergies in the spring, other agents such as dust, animal hair and dander, molds and foods might cause allergic disorder. Insect bites can cause a skin rash, and at times a systemic reaction, which can be dangerous. We can also add medicines, such as penicillin, sulfa and aspirin to the list of agents that could cause allergic reaction. Other contributing factors are weather changes, wind, smog and changes in atmospheric pressure and emotional factors. Immediate treatment of symptoms is highly recommended, as some are life threatening. Alleviation of symptoms can usually be achieved by proper medication such as first- and second-generation antihistamines, sometimes combined with decongestants. Second generation antihistamines eliminate many of the side effects of first generation antihistamines, such as drowsiness.
For permanent or long-term relief of symptoms the cause of allergy must be determined and treated along with the symptoms. To accomplish this goal, the allergist will perform tests to determine the cause of the allergy and then recommend treatments ranging from avoidance, medication and/or immune therapy. Using these methods brings the greatest relief for those who suffer from allergies of all kinds.
For further information contact Dr. Farhadian at the Allergy and Asthma Center 661-259-6996.