The Nose Knows Spring

Southern California’s recent heavy rains and high winds means more sneezing, teary eyes and stuffy noses than usual for the 10% to 20% of people who suffer from hay fever, an allergy to plant pollen.

“We’re off to a blazing start,” said Dr. Warren Line, an ear, nose and throat specialist/allergist who practices in North Hollywood. “I have a group of patients who come in at the start of allergy season, and everyone’s already been in.”

Many trees, grasses and weeds have begun releasing wind-borne pollen. How badly people suffer can depend on the weather and time of day.

But there is hope: a new nasal spray antihistamine is due to out this month and some drugs that have been off-limits for kids are now being prescribed safely.

“It’s very promising,” Line said.

Tips for Sufferers

* Close windows

* Use air conditioner

* Stay indoors in morning and late afternoon

* Avoid yard work or wear face mask

* Antihistamines relieve some symptoms

* Prescriptions may block symptoms

* See a doctor for treatment and advice

What’s in the Air

The male parts produce pollen grains that contain sperm cells. They emerge when pollen lands on the female part of another plant’s flower.

A Closer Look: Pollen grains vary in shape depending on their source. Their width is less than that of a human hair.

The Effect of Rain: Because of heavy rains, trees, weeds and grasses are thriving. The current pollen count from trees, 60, is five times higher than the same time last year.

The Daily Pollen Cycle

1. MORNING: Pollen Released

Most plants release pollen in the morning and it floats up as the ground warms.

2. AFTERNOON: Carried Away

It flies farther on dry, windy days. On humid days, moisture weighs it down.

3. EVENING: Settles to the ground

When the ground cools, pollen falls back to earth.

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Weeds

Weeds are pollinated 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.

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Trees

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

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Grasses

Most grasses produce pollen from March through October, peaking in May.

Some Local Culprits

Deodar Cedar Tree

Brittle Bush

Valley Oak

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