Over 25% of adults in the U.S. have seasonal allergies. For residents of the Bay Area who suffer from allergies, summer pollen season can really pack a punch. Let’s discuss what’s in the air this time of year and what you can do about it.
What’s Blooming
Summer in San Francisco consistently releases a surge of weed and grass pollen. Rainy spring days followed by July’s warm, sunny days give weeds and grass a huge growth spurt, and they’ll usually begin releasing their pollen in July. The biggest offenders are:
- Timothy grass
- Rye grass
- Bluegrass
- Bermuda grass
- Ragweed
Because pollen is light and dusty, it can be carried great distances by the wind. This is why, despite there not being much grass inside the city proper, people experience allergy symptoms; the wind coming off the Pacific can carry the pollen for miles, straight to your nasal passageways.
Grass Pollen Allergy Symptoms
If you have an allergy to grass pollen, you’ll notice these common symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose with clear, watery discharge
- Congestion
- Itchy, red eyes
- Skin rash or eczema
- Difficulty breathing
What to Do About It
Avoiding pollen is nigh impossible in these months, as it’s everywhere in the air. But there are some measures you can take to limit your exposure:
- Stay indoors, especially on high-pollen days (check the daily weather report for a pollen forecast)
- Close your windows and doors; don’t drive with the car window down.
- Wear a mask when you go outside to block pollen from entering your airways
- Wear long sleeves to cover your arms and sunglasses to cover your eyes
- Take a shower and change into clean clothes as soon as you come inside
You can also use over-the-counter medications to deal with your symptoms. Antihistamines block an allergic reaction from being too severe, and decongestants can provide quick relief once the reaction has started. If you’ve been having symptoms but aren’t sure if they’re allergy-related, consider getting an allergy test to confirm what, if anything, you’re allergic to. Knowing your allergic triggers can be incredibly helpful when it comes to preventing and managing allergic reactions. Call California Sinus Centers today to make an appointment.