High tree pollen causing annoying allergies for many

Pollen allergies this season are the worst they’ve seen in several years. Unfortunately, allergy sufferers may not find relief for a long time.

J.D. Debora, like many others on the Central Coast, has allergies.

“I’ve had itchy ears,” Debora said. “My nose has been stuffed up. My voice changes. That’s how I’ve been feeling lately and I’m sure a lot of people have too.”

Doctors said the culprit , is tree pollen. The worst offenders are birch, cedar, oak, pine and sycamore. Many are found in our area, and it’s just getting worse. Dr. Steven Prager of Central Coast Allergy and Asthma said the ongoing drought isn’t helping.

“I’ve lived in the area for 20 years,” Prager explained. “When I started, we didn’t see much tree pollen allergies. It was mostly grasses and weeds.”

On a typical California day, with no rain and no blooming plants, one would think that allergies wouldn’t be a problem. But that’s not the case.

“If there’s no rain, the air is dry and windy,” Prager said. “That makes it much better for trees to release their pollen and spread that pollen as far and wide as these trees can.”

He expects tree pollen allergies to stick around until the end of April into the beginning of May. Unfortunately, that’s when grass and weed allergy season starts. He can’t predict that season just yet.

“It depends on how much rain we get,” Prager said. “Whether or not the weeds or grass will pick up in May, that remains to be seen.”

In the meantime, Debora is sticking to her anti-allergy routine.

“I was taking the allergy shots last year,” Debora said. “Now I’m starting on the drops.”
Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so if patients are particularly susceptible, they should stay indoors until they have to leave. It’s also helpful to change clothes if you’ve been outside, so you don’t bring the pollen indoors.