Rite (Ah-choo!) of Spring

Spring is in the air. And, sadly for the allergic, so is pollen.

So, in a spring rite as certain as tax-paying, allergist Sheldon Spector’s Los Angeles office fills with the seasonal sounds of patients sneezing and coughing.

“We did have enough rain that I think this is going to be a relatively bad year for a lot of allergy sufferers,” Spector said. “I’m seeing a lot of first-timers.”

Some allergists say this year’s pollen invasion is what they’ve come to expect. Other allergy specialists say weather conditions caused some patients to start feeling symptoms earlier than usual, prompting many to head for the allergist as early as February. In some cases, their symptoms are more serious than in previous years.

“We’ve just had our rainy season, and the Santa Ana winds last week that have caused the pollens to be blown around, so patients are coming in with seasonal allergies,” said allergist Leslie Rawitt of Woodland Hills.

Also, residents of Southern California’s valleys--where there is a higher level of air pollution--may suffer more than those who live along the coast.

In March and April, pollinating trees are the main culprit for allergy problems, although some less-known irritants, such as dust mites, are more prevalent in warm weather.

Some common symptoms that show up around this time of year include puffy, watery and itchy eyes, a stuffy and runny nose, and sneezing. Each year, allergies cause 3.4 million people to miss work and 2 million lost school days, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which notes that about 22 million Americans have seasonal allergies.

Sohil Hussain of Northridge has just about every symptom. After three years of trying to treat himself with over-the-counter medicines, he recently decided to see a doctor to get his allergies under control.

“I thought I couldn’t get any more miserable than I was, so maybe I’d go see a doctor and that will help me a little,” Hussain said during his first visit to Rawitt’s office.

Some allergists say that conditions in the valleys--especially heavy smog--can make allergic reactions worse.

Most specialists say allergy sufferers can find relief with over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays. Also, there are some simple things they can do to minimize symptoms.

Along with the box of tissues, keep a bottle of water by your side. Water helps dilute the allergens in the body and, thus, can reduce the severity of an allergic reaction.

Treat the symptoms right away. “If you keep on toughing it through, then a smaller dose of the same allergens begins to trigger symptoms,” Spector said.

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Pollen Springs Eternal

Spring is in the air, and so is wind- borned pollen, much to the dismay of hay fever sufferers, who are allergic to plant pollens. Pollen released by trees, weeds and grasses irritates eyes, noses and lungs, particularly in March and April, when plants are starting to bloom. An unusually high pollen count this year and last resulted from higher amounts of winter rain, which caused plants to proliferate.

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The Daily Pollen Cycle

1. Morning

Pollen is Released: Most plants release pollen in the morning, and it floats up as the ground warms.

2. Afternoon

Pollen Is Carried Away: It flies farther on dry, windy days. On humid days, moisture weighs it down.

3. Evening

Pollen Settles to the Ground: When the ground cools, pollen falls back to earth.

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Weeds: Weeds pollinate from April to November, peaking in August. Local sources such as sagebrush and ragweed aren’t a big problem, but Santa Ana winds can blow weed pollen in from the desert.

Trees: February is worst for tree pollen, when 10 major types of trees begin pollinating. Pollination continues through April.

Grasses: Most grasses pollinate from March through October, peaking in May.

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Tips for Sufferers

* Close windows

* Use air conditioner

* Stay indoors in morning and late afternoon.

* Avoid yardwork or wear facemask.

* Antihistamines relieve some symptoms

* Prescription drugs may block symptons

* See a doctor for treatment and advice.

Sources: David Walkington, director of Cal State Fullerton Arboretum; Allergy Medical Clinic; Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.