Fall has arrived, and so has the pollen allergy season in California! It’s estimated that 20% of Americans are allergic to pollen, and right now the air is full of invisible swirls of weed pollen which means there are a lot of miserable allergy suffers. Due to California’s mild winters and warm fall months, pollination can continue on and on, and higher levels of pollen are found on dry, warm, windy days.
What are allergies?
Pollen allergies are also known as “hay fever” or “seasonal allergic rhinitis”. Allergies are caused by overactive immune systems. When you breathe in pollen, your immune system will release histamine antibodies to attack it, which results in a runny nose and watery, itchy eyes. Sometimes, allergies can be mistaken for the common cold. So how can you tell if it’s allergies or a cold? The main difference is a cold will cause a fever but not an itchy nose, throat or eyes.
How can I stay allergy-free?
- Start taking OTC medications before symptoms occur.
- Get your allergies under control before the season, so your breathing is not affected and you can get your zzz’s at night!
- Wear sunglasses, they help block pollen from entering your eyes, especially on windy days.
- It is hard to prevent an allergic reaction to pollen, but consider staying indoors and keeping windows shut on days with a high pollen level.
- Wash your hands and face to remove pollen after you have been outside.
If you are suffering from allergies, you should visit your doctor to discuss treatment options such as medication or allergy shots. Call our office to schedule your appointment (949) 566-8179 or visit our website!