Seasonal allergies affect more than 40 million Americans and many of those live in California's Central San Joaquin Valley.

People with allergies will experience nasal congestion, headaches, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and fatigue when exposed to allergens like pollen. Allergy-induced asthma is also prevalent this time of year in children and adults. Many Valley residents will be miserable with allergy symptoms without having allergy to pollens! How so? A number of people experience allergy symptoms due to exposure to environmental irritants this time of year. Rapid changes in weather…rain, temperature vacillations, wind…all contribute to producing headaches, nasal congestion, and other problems. Some people have sensitivity to plants that bloom in the spring, to the changing of colors in the fall. In addition, days when air quality is poor contribute to the mix of irritants that cause allergy symptoms when there is no pollen in the air.

Keys to enjoying the bounty of outdoor activities in the Valley has to offer while experiencing fewer symptoms lie in a few elements of prevention and treatment. After spending time outdoors, it helps to shower and change your clothing. This not only helps eliminate the pollen, but irritants too. Use saline eye drops and nasal sprays to reduce irritation of the eyes. Performing nasal lave to rinse out the sinuses may mean the difference between feeling well and getting a sinus infection. Keeping windows and doors closed during times of peak pollen release will also help. Taking non-sedating antihistamines often reduces the severity of symptoms.

Seeing a specialist in the treatment of allergy and asthma may help you breeze right through the perils of seasonal changes in the Valley. At the Allergy Institute, we tailor diagnosis and management to the individual, using various treatment options, including allergen immunotherapy when appropriate. If your allergy symptoms are preventing you from enjoying the quality of life you would like, consider visiting us for a consultation at the Allergy Institute!

Call us to schedule your appointment today at (559) 447-1700 or in Visalia at (559) 627-9107.