An Ill Wind : Pollen Wafts Through Springtime Air, Bringing Angst to Allergy Sufferers

Spring is in the air. And, sadly for the allergic, so is pollen. So, in a spring rite as certain as tax day, allergist Sheldon Spector’s Los Angeles office fills with the 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,” said Dr. Spector. “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 report that weather conditions caused some patients to start feeling symptoms earlier than usual, prompting many to head for the doctor as early as February. And 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 Dr. Leslie Rawitt of Woodland Hills.

Or, as ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Hershell Louis Kaufman of Granada Hills put it: “Trees are pollinating like gangbusters.”

Also, residents of Southern California’s valleys--where air pollution tends to collect--may suffer more than those living along the coast.

In March and April, pollinating trees are the main culprits in allergy problems, although some less-known irritants, such as dust mites, are more prevalent in warm weather. In the summer, grasses will send pollen into the air. Then, in the fall, it’s ragweed season.

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 missed workdays 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. And if they drag themselves into work, allergy sufferers are often not at their best.

“Patients are greeted by their co-workers as ‘God bless you,’ instead of ‘Good morning,’ ” Rawitt said.

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.

“In the morning, sometimes I get up [and] I sneeze five, six or seven times,” he said. His box of Kleenex has become a trusty companion. “It’s with me more than anything else.”

Hussain finds that he feels better when he leaves the San Fernando Valley and heads to the coast. “As soon as I go toward Malibu . . . I’m fine.”

Some allergists agree that conditions in the valleys can make allergic reactions worse. For one thing, heavy smog can further irritate allergies.

“Nitrous oxide in smog may have a magnifying effect on some of the allergens,” said Dr. Martin Zane, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Encino.

And the same conditions that turn the blue sky brown can turn clear eyes red.

“Just like the smog accumulates in the valleys, most of the pollen also tends to accumulate in the valleys,” said Dr. Michael Perera, who has offices in Arcadia and Covina. “Within a mile or so of the ocean, there’s far less pollen.”

Most specialists say allergy sufferers can find relief with over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays. Also, there are 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, Zane said, 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,” said Spector.

And for sinus pressure, allergy patient Betty Rosengard of Woodland Hills said the steam from hot showers helps clear her head.

Or, of course, you can just head to the beach.

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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.