Allergy season in full swing: Heat and dry conditions a problem for many Mercedians

Spring allergy season is upon us, but those who suffer from allergies may have started experiencing the irritating symptoms long before now.

The early release of pollen triggered by warm temperatures and dry conditions may be the culprit, experts say.

Brian Ochs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford, said Merced, like many other San Joaquin Valley areas, is recording temperatures 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. Typically, temperatures in mid-March average around 65 degrees.

This weekend, for example, Merced will be hitting close to 80 degrees.

Ochs explained these temperatures are typical for the middle to the end of spring. “We’re definitely seeing May-like temperatures in March,” he said.

So what does this mean for allergy sufferers? A mild winter and high temperatures so early in the year have caused many trees and plants to bloom ahead of schedule. People allergic to pollen may have noticed their spring allergies kick in earlier than usual.

According to Dr. Praveen Buddiga, an allergy and asthma specialist at Baz Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center in Merced, there is a clear relationship between high temperatures, low humidity and early pollen release.

Heat, Buddiga explained, makes allergens, like pollen, more potent; and when allergens are more potent, people will experience more sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and throat congestion, among other symptoms.

Dr. Shaheen Counts, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Mercy Medical Center in Merced, added that besides the high temperatures, the Valley’s drought conditions are also a problem for those with allergies. When there are less water molecules in the air, pollen can be carried farther because there is no humidity to weigh them down, Counts explained.

According to Pollen.com, high pollen levels, which may cause symptoms to become more severe, are anticipated this weekend in Merced.

Allergies also set people up for other conditions. Counts said allergies can be precursors for sinus infections and throat irritations. Allergies can also affect lungs as well as stimulate asthma.

Because people with asthma often also suffer from allergies, it is not uncommon for asthmatics to experience flare-ups during allergy season, the doctors said.

Pharmacist Dave Fluitt with with Raley’s pharmacies said the main offender is tree pollen, but this changes with season. In summer the problem becomes grasses, and in fall weeds are the main concern.

“It just depends what people are sensitive to,” Fluitt said. “Right now it’s this microscopic pollen that is driving patients into our pharmacies.”

To combat allergies, Fluitt often recommends corticosteroid nasal sprays to patients, which can now be obtained over the counter. Fluitt said nasal sprays take about seven hours to provide any relief and about two to three days to treat symptoms, but can take anywhere from seven to 14 days to reach maximum effect.

Sinus rinses, also available over the counter, are another option for people with allergies. Counts said that by rinsing – essentially cleaning one’s nose with salt water – people can get rid of pollen and dirt that collects in their noses, minimizing irritation.

Experts also advise those prone to allergies to roll up their windows when driving; close their windows at home; and purchase hypoallergenic linens to keep dust mites away, especially from beds.

Doctors also recommend people invest in air filters to clear allergens that sneak into homes and to change into a fresh pair of clothes as soon as they enter their home to get rid of allergens that stick to the attire they’ve been wearing outdoors.

If allergy symptoms become severe, doctors recommend that people see their primary care physician or allergy specialist.

This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 7:06 PM with the headline "Allergy season in full swing: Heat and dry conditions a problem for many Mercedians."