Greater L.A. has been hit with a series of storms this winter, bringing much-needed rain but also flooding, landslides, and other dangers to the region. And, now that spring has sprung, we’re in for lush trees and super blooms.
The vegetation is beautiful to look at. But for those who suffer from allergies, it can also be foreboding.
To find out if allergy-prone residents can expect months of misery, LAist reached out to an expert.
Does a prolonged rain season increase the severity of allergies?
In recent years, SoCal residents have raised concerns about increased allergens in relation to rainier weather, and “those concerns are valid,” said Jonathan Tam, Medical Director at the Gores Family Allergy Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
If you park your car under a tree in the spring and early summer, he said, you’ll likely find it covered in yellow powder when you return. That’s because trees in the area have begun to pollinate.
During this time of year, Tam said, “we see a lot of allergy symptoms, including runny, sneezy noses and, particularly, itchy, watery eyes.” (Fun fact: Despite what most people might think, flowers “don't really contribute too much to airborne pollen,” he said.)
Rain can also make some allergens more potent, he added. Pollen, for instance, can be dispersed into smaller particles, which makes it more airborne.
If temperature permits, Tam suggests limiting exposure by keeping windows closed to keep pollen from entering the home and settling on your furniture, especially “your bed, where you're breathing it in,” he said.
But it’s not just pollen, Tam warned. Storm-induced humidity can also lead to mold and dust mite growth, and people who are exposed to them can have similar symptoms.
How can I stop the sneezing and runny nose?
Second-generation antihistamines, like loratadine or cetirizine, can be very helpful for allergy relief, Tam said. Nose sprays can also be useful, but, he added, patients sometimes need to use them repeatedly before they notice a difference.
“Antihistamines can be used more intermittently,” he added.
I’ve tried all types of allergy pills and medications and nothing seems to work. What should I do?
If you’ve tried different medications, but haven’t been able to find relief, Tam said you may want to consider allergy testing to pinpoint the issue. The most common forms of allergy testing are blood tests and skin tests.
During skin tests, healthcare providers make tiny pinpricks on the patient’s skin and then apply an allergen to check for a reaction. Blood testing can be done by a primary care physician. Skin testing may have to be done by a specialist, like an allergist.
