There’s Something in the Air: Unfortunately, It’s Pollen
Even in Southern California, where winters are mild, most people welcome the first signs of spring; not so those with uncontrolled seasonal allergies. For these people, springtime means itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
The term “seasonal allergies” is used to describe problems related to pollens and molds (pollens are most prevalent and cause most symptoms during spring and summer when trees, grasses and weeds are reproducing; molds are prevalent in the fall when vegetation begins to decay).
Allergic reactions are triggered when tiny pollen granules or mold spores are inhaled into the nose and throat or when they come into contact with the eyes. The immune system reacts inappropriately, setting off a chain reaction that results in the release of histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals--histamine, in particular--are responsible for causing the classic signs and symptoms of allergies.
The best way to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms is to avoid the pollens or molds that cause them. Although this is difficult for some people, you can take simple steps to reduce your exposure.
Monitor pollen counts. Pollen counts measure the amount of pollen grains floating free in the air. Typically, the pollen grains are collected on rooftops over a 24-hour period by trapping them on glass rods; the number of grains are then counted under a microscope. The counts are typically broken down into tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens and molds. High counts tend to correspond with an increased risk of allergic reactions (although a person who is allergic only to tree pollens will not develop symptoms when grass pollen counts are high). To obtain pollen reports for your area, contact the National Allergy Bureau’s Pollen Information Line at (800) 9-POLLEN, (877) 9-ACHOOO or https://www.aaaai.org/nab/.
Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors when pollen counts are high. Pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning. Pollen is also more of a problem when it is windy and the humidity is high.
Keep windows and doors closed. At home, keeping doors and windows shut will prevent pollen from drifting inside. In a car, windows should be closed and the air conditioner operated in the “recirculate” mode (this minimizes the amount of air drawn into the car from outside).
Bathe and wash your hair before bedtime on days when pollen counts are high. When you are outside, pollen becomes trapped in your hair and sticks to your skin. Bathing and washing your hair will prevent the pollen from being transferred to your bedding, where it can be inhaled and trigger an allergic reaction.
Keep your pets indoors or outside, but not both. When pets are outside, pollen sticks to the coat. Once indoors, the pollen can be transferred to anything the pet contacts, including sofas, chairs, carpets and beds. The pollen left behind can trigger allergic reactions long after the animal leaves the room.
Exercise indoors when pollen counts are high. Invest in exercise equipment for your home or buy a temporary pass to a local fitness facility. If you must exercise outside, do it late in the afternoon, when pollen counts tend to be lower.
If lifestyle changes like the ones described above do not control your allergic symptoms, talk to your physician about medications. Several types of medications are available for the prevention and treatment of allergic symptoms. The most commonly used are antihistamines, which work by blocking the action of histamine.
Nonprescription antihistamines may cause drowsiness and should not be used if you will be driving, operating machinery or performing tasks that require rapid reaction times. Many prescription antihistamines do not have this effect but are considerably more expensive.
Once an allergic reaction has started, it is very difficult to prevent many of the unpleasant symptoms. If you know you must be outside when pollen counts are high, your doctor may recommend that you use antihistamines before you go out. Based on your symptoms and their severity, your physician will help you select a drug and recommend a dosage schedule that is particularly appropriate for you.
Resources for Dealing With Seasonal Allergies
* Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or AAFA:
1133 20th St. NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036; (800) 7-ASTHMA; https://www.aafa.org.
* AAFA of Southern California:
5900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2330, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 937-7859; https://www.aafasocal.com.
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Dr. Jonathan Fielding is director of public health and health officer for the L.A. County Department of Health Services. Dr. Valerie Ulene is a board-certified specialist in preventive medicine practicing in Los Angeles. They can be reached by e-mail at
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