AnonymousBy Dignity Health
Spring has sprung on the Central Coast after a heavy rainy season, and now at the peak of the super bloom, the increase in pollen and allergens is a recipe for an uncomfortable, itchy, sneezy, allergy season.
New research by Climate Central, a non-profit focused on climate news and research, shows that pollen season starts 20 days earlier, is 10 days longer, and features 21% more pollen. And in the west, the growing season is 27 days longer on average.
“While the super bloom is a beautiful and awe-inspiring event, it can be difficult to enjoy for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. We’ve been seeing many patients recently with concerns about allergy symptoms. The good news is there are precautions you can take to cope with allergy season while still enjoying the outdoors,” says Dr. Scott Robertson, President & CEO of Pacific Central Coast Health Centers.
To help you cope with allergy season, doctors suggest taking the following precautions:
- Limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times, which are usually mid-morning and early evening.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home.
- Wash your face, hands, and hair after spending time outdoors.
- Use air conditioning instead of opening windows.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays to help alleviate symptoms.
- Consider seeing an allergist if your symptoms persist or if they are severe.
About Pacific Coast Health Centers
A service of Dignity Health, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers (PHC) is a non-profit Community clinic organization comprised of nearly 50 health centers located primarily from Templeton to Oxnard and in Bakersfield in the Central Valley. Our experienced physicians and advanced practice providers offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services. PHC is a part of Dignity Health Central Coast’s award-winning network of outstanding hospitals, urgent cares, imaging centers, laboratories, and post-acute services. dignityhealth.org/phc
About Dignity Health Central Coast
Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of three award-winning hospitals, all recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to provide additional funding to support new programs and services, as well as to advance the community’s access to health care. For more information, visit dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.
For allergy sufferers: Research, purchase and use a neti pot. Neti pots can help alleviate symptoms when allergies are affecting your nasal passages.
Yay for rain but boo for allergies. My dog has had especially itchy eyes and ears the past few days.