Grasses – Low

Trees – Moderate (Mostly Oak, Pine and Olive)

Weeds – Moderate (Mostly Chamise)

Molds – Low

Grass – High

Trees – High (Mostly Oak, Cedar/Juniper and Walnut)

Weeds – High (Mostly Chamise, Dock and Sorrell)

Molds – Low

Grasses – High

Trees – High (Mostly Oak, Sycamore, Walnut)

Weeds – High

Molds – Low

Grasses – High

Trees – High (Mostly Oak, Pine, Sycamore, Cedar and Juniper)

Weeds – Moderate

Molds – O

Grasses – Low

Trees – High (Mostly Oak, Pine, Mulberry and Sycamore)

Weeds – O

Molds – Moderate

Allergy Medicine can be quite helpful for control of allergy symptoms. This blog will review the over the counter options to start. As mentioned in the last blog, nasal saline rinses or sprays, artificial tears and moisturizing eyedrops represent a great first step.

A variety of antihistamines are also available. These can be taken orally in liquid or pill form. Some over-the-counter eye drops also contain antihistamines. Antihistamines can help reduce itching, sneezing, runny nose, post nasal drip and to a mild degree, nasal congestion. Different antihistamines contain active ingredients with different effects. The antihistamines are grouped in 2 general categories. The first generation antihistamines include diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl®, chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Triemton®), brompheniramine, doxylamine, and others. The first generation antihistamines cause drowsiness and should be avoided with driving.

The second generation antihistamines include loratadine (such as Claritin® or Alavert®), cetirizine (Zyrtec ® or Allertek®), or fexofenadine (such as Allegra®). In general these agents are less sedating although cetirizine can be associated with sedation in 10% of individuals.  The most common side effect associated with the second generation antihistamines include eye, mouth, and skin dryness.

The antihistamine/decongestant combinations (the above antihistamines in combination with phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine) can produce more significant relief of nasal congestion than with antihistamines alone. The use of the antihistamine/decongestant combinations however should be limited to short term use only, as prolonged use can lead to rebound increased nasal congestion. These medications also can be associated with significant side effects including headache, irritability, insomnia, and heart palpitations and are not advised in patients with certain underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure.

Many people have symptoms not controlled with over the counter medications. These individuals will require evaluation by an Allergist for consideration of additional treatments. The next blog will talk about prescription medications for hay fever.

It’s that time of year again! The weather is warm, the days are longer, and allergy season is upon us. Do stuffed up noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing fits plaque you and your family? Congratulations, you are in growing population of allergy sufferers!  The highest East Bay tree and grass pollen counts are present Mid-March through Mid-June.  In general the pollen season kicks off with Alder and Cedar/Juniper tree pollination in early March, evolves to Ash, Oak, Sycamore, Mulberry and Maple tree pollination in later March-mid April. The season finishes off with the granddaddies of them all, grass and olive tree pollen, mid-April through early June.

You don’t need to live in a bubble during this time of year but you do need to take some precautions. First of all, this may not be the time to plan an outdoor camping trip where long periods of outdoor exposure will occur.  If you do spend time outdoors, be sure to shower and wash your hair before going to bed and wear sunglasses to keep pollen directly out of the eyes. Keep your windows closed during this time of year and turn on that air filter. This is also the time when you will want to keep your car air conditioner on instead of rolling down the windows. Finally, you can use over the counter nasal saline sprays and rinses to help remove any pollen on the inside lining of the nose. Children under the age of 5 will not be able to tolerate the rinsing, but will be more comfortable with the saline spray.

This is also the time of year when you may need to pull out those allergy meds. See your next posting for more info on this.

Grasses – O

Trees – High (Ash, Cedar/Juniper, Eucalyptus)

Weeds – O

Molds – Low

Grasses – O

Trees – High (Mostly Ash, Cedar/Juniper, Alder)

Weeds – O

Molds – Moderate

Grasses – None

Trees – Low (Mostly Pine)

Weeds – Low (Mostly Artemisia)

Molds – High