Allergic reaction issues

With record rains and gorgeous flower blooms comes a lot of annoying pollen.

Californians, and especially Southern Californians, are lucky that compared to a lot of states, the allergy season is much milder since of the dry climate. However this winter is different, and pollen rates may be greater than several years.

About 1 in 5 Americans are detected with environmental allergic reactions and more than 50% say allergic reactions affect their day-to-day quality of life.

The National Allergy Bureau says, "California has the highest number of inhabited metropolitan areas in the top 10. Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco are likewise listed on the "Better Than Average" list, making California among the best states for people dealing with pollen allergies."

California's coastal weather and low pollen concentration make it a top-ranked state for allergic reaction sufferers.

You can find the pollen count in your ZIP Code at pollen.com.

How pollen is measured

Pollen count determines the grains of pollen per cubic meter of air utilizing a standardized calculation. Pollen counters utilize an air-sampling device called a rotarod to collect pollen for 24 hours.

The gadget uses clear silicone rods covered in grease to bring in and retain pollen. Scientists then evaluate the collected materials, looking for the types of pollen and their concentration levels over a provided 24-hour duration.

There are also designated pollen seasons, throughout which time pollen counters gather their figures.

Pollen counters include individuals who got specialized training through the National Allergy Bureau.

Mapping the year

The image listed below is of pollen information from the National Allergy Bureau, an area of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & & Immunology's Aeroallergen Network. The NAB gathers and manages circulation of pollen information gathered at the NAB stations.

Pollen stations are run by AAAAI member volunteers and are self-funded.

The image is from the report: "Pollen calendars and maps of allergenic pollen in North America" by Fiona Lo, Cecilia M. Bitz, David S. Battisti and Jeremy J. Hess.

When is the California allergic reaction season?

California allergy season is typically from late January to early November.

What are the worst months?

March/April are the worst for trees, May is the worst for grass, and August/September are the worst for weeds.



Tree pollen is dominant, contributing 94% of the total sample of identified pollen.

The mustard menace

In 1968, California made its official state nickname the "Golden State," referencing its gold rush.

If you didn't understand much better, you might believe the classification was influenced by the expansion of another bright yellow plant that dominates California's landscape-- Brassica nigra, aka black mustard.

The mustard plants are non-native, invasive types from Europe.

The mustard out-competes the natives, combating them for water, ground area and nutrients.


SCNG

The spread of black mustard can increase the frequency of fires in chaparral and seaside sage scrub, changing these habitats to yearly meadow.

How it got to Southern California and became so widespread is a matter of argument.

A story often informed is that Spanish missionaries planted mustard along El Camino Real, the better to see the objective roadway in spring. However whether the intro was accidental or on function is undetermined.

The plants can grow over 6 feet high and in summertime they are a dry, brown source for wildfires.

Do I need medications?

Allergic reaction medications are offered as tablets, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and shots.

Some are offered over the counter; others are readily available by prescription just.

Here's a short summary of a few of the types of allergy medications from the Mayo Clinic: Antihistamines.

Antihistamines block histamine, a symptom-causing chemical released by your body immune system during an allergy.

Antihistamines that tend to trigger drowsiness include: DiphenhydramineChlorpheniramine.

These antihistamines are much less likely to trigger sleepiness: Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy) Desloratadine (Clarinex) Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra Allergy) Levocetirizine (Xyzal, Xyzal Allergy) Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin).

Get your doctor's advice.

Deal with your medical professional to pick the most reliable allergic reaction medications and prevent issues.

Even over-the-counter allergy medications have side effects, and some allergy medications can trigger issues when combined with other medications.





Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & & Immunology, California Invasive Plant Council, pollen.com, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Allergy Bureau.