Summary
The spring allergy season begins in early March and continues until June. The spring season is the result both of an increase in pollen from trees and plants, and with the tendency of most people to begin spending more time out of doors as the weather warms up. Allergies are caused by the immune system overreating to harmless pollen in the air.
Original source:
http://www.modbee.com/life/healthyliving/story/10175264p-10992491c.html
Details
"My allergies are seasonal," says Karen Kitchen, 52, a health educator for a Fresno insurance company.
"It's real frustrating," says Julie Tymn, 38, of Fresno, the mother of two young daughters who also have allergies.
They are among the estimated 20 to 25 percent of Americans whose immune systems overreact to common substances that don't bother most people.
Part of the problem rests with the valley's poor air quality, abundant foliage and warm weather, which make it difficult to escape the allergens that cause all the sniffling, sneezing, itching and coughing.
"Except for a couple of months in the winter, there are trees pollinating year-round in the valley," says Malik Baz, medical director of the Baz Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center in Fresno.
Abundant rainfall means more pollen-producing grass and weeds.
Allergies occur when the immune system responds aggressively to things that are ordinarily harmless, says A.M. Aminian, medical director of the Allergy Institute in Fresno and the former national public information chairman for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
These chemicals, which include histamine, are what cause the sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes common to many allergic reactions.
Although symptoms usually can be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription drugs, Aminian says allergies never should be taken lightly.
"I have to make sure I've got my medication and nasal spray.
"If I catch my symptoms early enough, I can control them," she says.
Pay attention to the air quality forecast from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which is published on the back page of The Bee's Local News section, and try not to be outdoors noon to 6 p.m. on days when the air quality is unhealthy.
Immunotherapy produces good results in 85 to 90 percent of patients, says Aminian.
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and award-winning journalist with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, and he has published numerous courses on preparedness and survival, including financial preparedness, emergency food supplies, urban survival and tactical self-defense. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2010, Adams launched TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural health video site featuring videos on holistic health and green living. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the founder of a well known HTML email software company whose 'Email Marketing Director' software currently runs the NaturalNews subscription database. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Tuesday, March 29, 2005
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