The Best Allergist In California For Seasonal Allergies
If you are looking for the best doctor to treat your seasonal allergies in California, look no further than Wyndly. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies to get you long-term allergy relief from your California seasonal allergies.
Take our easy online assessment now to see if our doctors can get you long-term allergy relief from your seasonal allergies in California!
When Is Ragweed Season Fall Allergy Symptoms Explained
Ragweed is a plant that only lives for one season, but in that time it can prove a nuisance for people who are allergic to it.
A single plant can release a billion grains of pollen, which are light enough to float through the air and come into contact with people.
It grows throughout the United States, particularly in Eastern and Midwestern states. Ragweed can start pollinating as early as July in some states, but for most of the country, ragweed season starts in August and peaks in mid-September, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . In some cases, it can last until November.
The plant is found in 49 of the 50 U.S. states, including Hawaii. The only state in the country where the plant does not grow is Alaska, the AAFA adds. Because it’s so light, the pollen can travel hundreds of miles. It has even been found 400 miles away from the coast in the ocean.
Allergy to ragweed pollen is a major cause of seasonal allergies.
Plant And Tree Pollen
Various plants, including flowers, and trees pollinate from February through October suggests the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Some plants pollinate more in the spring while others do so in the fall months, such as August and September. In warmer climates the pollinating season can last year-round. Visibly flowering plants and flowers themselves aren’t the primary source of pollen allergies because these pollens aren’t airborne. Instead, these flowers rely on insects and birds to transport the pollen for fertilization. Other types of flowers and trees do produce colorful petals with dry pollen that is spread by the wind.
- Various plants, including flowers, and trees pollinate from February through October suggests the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
- Instead, these flowers rely on insects and birds to transport the pollen for fertilization.
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Symptoms Of Fall Allergies:
Fall allergens cause suffering for a lot of people with allergies. Starting in early August, ragweed will release its pollen, causing allergy symptoms for many people through early October. Mold spores also grow during this time and become even more common as trees shed their leaves, leaving them to decay on the ground.
Seasonal allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. Allergens in the air cause your immune system to release histamines, which will cause inflammation, nasal drip, and itchy and watery eyes. One allergy symptom that is present in allergies, but not likely with the novel coronavirus is sneezing. If your symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks and have occurred in the fall months in the past, then you may have allergies.
How To Treat Seasonal Allergies
For the most part, seasonal allergies are easily managed at home. Allergy treatments like over-the-counter nasal spray or oral antihistamines are a great way to ease symptoms they work by blocking the chemicals your body produces in response to allergens, preventing the reaction. You may also consider a warm nasal water rinse. To keep allergens out of your house, take avoidance measures like wet-vacuuming your carpet or removing your carpet entirely.
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What Time Of Year Do Allergens Appear
- Mold is present to varying degrees all year, with higher counts in summer and fall
- Cedar pollen causes allergic reactions in many Central Texans. Counts typically peak in January to early February
- Oak peaks between end of March and the beginning of April
- Pecan counts peak end of April to the beginning of May
- Grass is indistinguishable under a microscope. It can last from March to September, with the highest counts typically appearing in May and June
- Elm counts peak between the end of February and the beginning of March
- Ash counts peak between the end of February and the beginning of March
- Ragweed season starts in August and can last through November. Its highest typically from the end of September to the beginning of October
Fall Allergy Season And Virus Season Are You Prepared
Fall allergy season is upon us and COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Cold and flu season wont be far behind and overlapping symptoms may cause confusion and concern for some.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms can include sneezing, running nose, nasal congestion, headaches, itchy/irritated eyes, and scratchy throat. Fall pollens and molds can also aggravate asthma symptoms like coughing and wheezing. If youre experiencing these symptoms, some which overlap with COVID-19 symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.
Atlanta Allergy & Asthmas allergists are stressing the importance of getting and keeping allergies and asthma under control as we enter this upcoming season. Respiratory viruses are the most common trigger for asthma exacerbations. Well-controlled allergies and asthma can help reduce the chance of severe complications due to a respiratory illness. The better your baseline health, the better you are able to fight any infection or stressor that comes your way.
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How Do Allergy Doctors Diagnose An Ear Problemcaused By Allergies
Before you can obtain the propertherapy for your ear and hearing issues, you need to figure out ifthe issue is caused by an allergy or something else. If your familydoctor has ruled out an acute infection or damage, an allergy expertcan help you identify any allergens that may be affecting your ears.
Skin testing will very certainly beused by your allergy doctor. A puncture, injection, or patch is usedto deliver a small quantity of different possible allergens to yourskin in this type of testing. Youve identified the issue if yourskin responds to a specific allergy. Allergens can also be identifiedby the antibodies they produce in the blood.
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When Is Peak Allergy Season In California
Youll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower in California.
If you have seasonal allergies and are traveling to California during April, May, and September, make sure you have an allergy treatment plan that works for you before your trip. During your trip, check the local pollen count daily to adjust your plans accordingly.
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Tips For Limiting Pollen Exposure During Allergy Season
Unfortunately, its that time of year again when weeds are out in full bloom. And, it isnt just an inconvenience for your homes garden or lawn. It can also lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Coughing, post-nasal drip, sore throat, head congestionall of these can be caused by allergic reactions to pollen. Texas can have an especially severe allergy season, typically starting in February and lasting through early summer. At Family First Express Care, our skilled and compassionate healthcare staff can treat patients experiencing a variety of non-emergency health issues. And, if you find yourself experiencing symptoms that seem allergy-related, our medical professionals can diagnose your condition and help you find relief.
But, as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And there are steps Texas residents can take to better protect themselves this allergy season. Explore some of the ways you can lower your familys exposure to harmful pollen. And find out why so many Texans trust Family First Express Care to diagnose and treat their allergy symptoms.
Pollen Type By Season
Spring
Tree pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen are all around from March through to May. Tree pollen and grass pollen have peaks, so spring hay fever symptoms could be more severe, such as painful sinuses and a cough.
Summer
Summer hay fever brings with it a peak in grass and weed pollen, meaning itchy and watery eyes could be much worse, especially when going outside with allergies or around cut grass.
Autumn
Hay fever in autumn reduces as pollen season ends at the beginning of September.
Winter
Tree pollen begins its season in January, meaning hay fever in winter can sometimes be mistaken for a cold as symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough and itchy eyes.
If youre planning on spending time outdoors, especially during peak pollen season, read our tips from Allergy UK to helpmanage the symptoms.
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How To Manage And Minimize Allergy Symptoms
Avoiding the outdoors later in the day and into the evening when pollen is released can help minimize symptoms, as can keeping grass cut short and removing brush and weeds from your yard. You may also want to keep doors and windows sealed tight on days when pollen counts are high. This information can usually be found on weather apps or by watching the weather reports on local news programs.
Keeping a clean house, frequently vacuuming, replacing air filters regularly and using an air purifier can also help.
In addition, there are many over-the-counter naturopathic and traditional medicines that can help alleviate symptoms, such as decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, herbs, natural irrigation and ingesting honey native to the area in which you live. In some cases, the symptoms can be so severe that allergy shots or prescription medication becomes necessary. The best course of action is to be tested for allergies to know for sure what your triggers are, then have a medical professional develop a treatment plan for you to follow.
At Western Washington Medical Group, our Allergy Clinic can help with thorough allergy testing and develop plans for treatment once identified. Diagnosis entails a simple two-step process that covers 32 allergens specific to our region. A brief skin prick and a small injection is all it takes to get clear results, which will allow the doctor to formulate the best treatment plan possible for you.
Antihistamines Or Mast Cell Stabilizers
Available in a variety of forms like tablets, liquids, and nose sprays, these are great because they block the release of histamine, so you should see an improvement in common symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and hives. Try Claritin 24 Hour Non-Drowsy Allergy RediTabs.
Be sure to discuss these treatments with your allergist, who may also recommend allergy shots, prescription-strength meds, or carrying an EpiPen if your symptoms become severe.
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Keep Yourself And Your Home Clean
Mold spores and pollen can stick to everything, including hair, skin, and clothing, Dr. Shah says. You probably dont even realize youre doing it, but theres a good chance youre tracking irritants into the house. So, you can wear a face mask when you rake leaves outdoors to avoid breathing in mold spores, brush or wipe down pets after walks, leave your shoes outside, and keep windows closed to limit exposure. Cant bear having no fresh air? PollenTEC makes clean air window and door screens that filter dust, pollen, and exhaust soot so you can enjoy the fall breeze while it lasts.
Most Common Fall Allergens To Watch Out For
Ragweed is without a doubt the most common fall allergen during autumn here in Georgia. Additionally, without the warmer temperatures that spring and summer have to offer, many Georgia residents are spending time indoors. Within our homes, schools, and places of work, indoor allergens such as dust and pet dander can aggravate your symptoms.
Other common allergens that you could be affected by this fall include:
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Fall Allergy Season Begins: What To Expect In Maryland
MARYLAND Watery eyes, scratchy throats and runny noses are making many folks miserable. The fall allergy season is underway in Maryland, and only a hard frost will tamp down the pollen that torments allergy sufferers.
Allergies are a year-round malady, but are different in the fall than in other seasons. Ragweed is the big culprit, but mold and dust mites are also fall allergy triggers.
What we see in the fall are allergies to ragweed, WebMD chief medical officer Dr. John Whyte told AccuWeather. It blooms between August and November, so we kind of see that peak pollen mid- to late September.
To a lesser extent, mold and dust mites are fall allergy triggers, according to WebMd. Mold spores multiply in wet spots outside, such as piles of damp leaves. The first use of the furnace in the fall sends dust mites idle for months swirling into the air.
Generally, allergy sufferers will breathe easier after the first freeze, when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of hours. That wont happen as early as it does across the eastern third of the country, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert.
We will see the pollen levels really remain high through much of October and even into parts of early November, just due to the lack of temperatures dropping below freezing, he said, noting that plants and weeds will continue to thrive until then.
What Can I Do About It
There is no cure for a ragweed pollen allergy. But there are ways to treat and manage it.
Track the pollen count for your area. The news media often reports the count for your area, especially when pollen is high. You also can get your areas pollen counts from the National Allergy Bureau.
Stay indoors in central air conditioning when the pollen count is high. Get a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® air filter for your air conditioner. If you do spend time outside, try to go out in the afternoons and evenings. Ragweed pollen peaks in mornings.
Prevent pollen from being tracked into your home. If you spend a lot of time outside during peak pollen time:
- Take your shoes off outside
- Dont wear your outside clothes to bed
- Cover your hair when outside or wash it at night
You might even consider moving to get away from ragweed. This will often help you feel better for a short time. But you can develop allergies to plants in your new location in a few years. And ragweed is found in every state except Alaska. A well-thought out treatment plan is a better way to live with your allergies.
Take anti-inflammatory or antihistamine medicines, and start treatment in the summer. Many over-the-counter medicines work well to control pollen allergy symptoms. They can also help eye, nose and asthma symptoms. Many newer antihistamines dont cause as much drowsiness as older ones.
With SLIT, you take a small dose of an allergen under your tongue. You also gradually become more sensitive.
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About Seasonal Texas Allergies
About 10% of the population of the United States suffers from allergies, and Texas is no exception. Major cities in Texas, including McAllen and San Antonio are among the worst in the country for people suffering from allergies.
- Winter: In some locations in the U.S., allergies disappear during the frigid months of winter. But the opposite is the case in Texas, where winter is the worst season for allergens. The state is known for annual cases of cedar fever, which are allergies provoked by cedar trees, sometimes so strongly that victims think they have a case of the flu.
- Spring: Allergies tend to occur nationwide during the spring. The main cause of spring allergens is pollen from oak trees. To a lesser extent, other allergen-producing trees include cottonwood, elm, ash and pecan.
- Summer: Allergy sufferers in Texas are typically reacting to grasses, including Bahia, Bermuda, Orchard, Sweet Vernal and Timothy. You will often encounter these grasses on the side of the road, lots and other abandoned areas.
- Fall: Ragweed is a major allergen affecting Texas residents during fall. Temperate areas in Texas will often experience strong reactions to ragweed because the plants grow more freely, emitting as many as one billion pollen grains each season.
What Else Can I Do To Prepare For Allergy Season
Even if you’re already taking OTC allergy meds, you may still experience symptoms. So, what then?
Luckily, there are a few other solutions. First, Dr. Ogden recommends consulting with a board-certified allergist who can discover *exactly* what’s causing problems for you. “You need to take proactive steps,” she saysand the easiest way to cut down on symptoms is to find out what’s causing them, so you can avoid them.
Once you know what the culprit is, don’t exercise outside or sleep with your windows open. Both may be tempting once the weather gets warmer, but “you have to isolate yourself from your allergens,” Dr. Ogden says, so embrace the indoors to reduce the chance of having a reaction.
And try to remove allergens once you get home: Take nighttime showers, make sure to shampoo your hair, and wash your face to make sure nothing’s stuck to your eyelashes. “You just want to remove pollen residue,” Dr. Ogden explains. For extra protection, consider investing in an air purifier for your bedroom.
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The downside? Allergy shots are a bit of a time commitment. You’ll need to get them once a week for six to eight months, then once a month for a minimum of two years, says Dr. Parikh. You need to be a little bit patient too, because it can take about six months to start feeling better. So, if you want protection by March, you’ll probably have to start in September the year before.
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