Allergies, anyone?

Oy veh. I am having severe allergies these last couple of days. Does anyone know what is blooming right now that could be so pervasive that it is causing me to react? I am pretty sure it is outdoor, as when I go out, I begin to have sneezing fits!

I checked on The Weather Channel web site, and they said Tree and Weed Pollen was moderate. I'm curious which ones are really pollinating right now. This would only be airborne pollinators, of course.

I forget how severe this season can get for me, but it is usually only two or three weeks long here. In the Pacific Northwest it was pretty much the whole summer - so the season with the best weather was basically a no outdoor time for me. Luckily things dry out here quickly, so the season is shorter.

Are the acacias blooming down there yet? One of my bad allergy phases comes early in the spring and I think it might be because of them although I'm sure there are other possibilities too. They're not blooming here yet but your climate is warmer so they'd probably bloom earlier for you.

I'll have to observe more carefully, but I know many people have this allergy. Olives are also an irritant to many, along with Chinese Elms.

Channel 5 had a segment last week on what pollen was out there, maybe you could find it on their website. I wish I would have paid closer attention so I could help you. We have been suffering too, there's something floating out there. If I can find that segment, I'll let you know JM.

Are you taking allergy meds? I'm one of those people that has to take allergy meds all year long, but up until last year even with the meds I was still miserable during a couple different times in the spring. But last year Zyrtec went OTC so I decided to try it instead of the Allegra I had been taking, and it seemed to work better, I didn't have nearly as much trouble last spring as I normally do. And it's helped a lot with my cat allergies too which was a plus. It does make some people drowsy though so if you do try it make sure it's a day where you don't have to do anything important. Doesn't bother me, but most of the things that are supposed to make you sleepy don't affect me.

Liz, I use Zyrtec all year, too. For those extra bad times I add Flonase (generic) spray for a few weeks.

Jungleman, try www.pollen.com You can enter your zip code and get a hint of what's going on in your area, FWIW. I get an email every few days - here's a sample:

Your Allergy Alert(TM) For Feb 01, 2009:

---------------------------------

Be prepared for allergies today! This is your Allergy Alert letting you know that allergy
conditions in your area have reached a medium to high range.

---------------------------------

Forecast for BONSALL, CA (on a scale of 1-12):

Today's allergy levels:
Sunday - 7.2/Medium

Today's predominant pollen:
Alder, Cedar/Juniper and Ash.

Tomorrow's allergy levels:
Monday - 7.4/High-Medium

Thanks! I'll look up my area right now! If Alder is pollinating right now - that is the one that is messing with me! When I was a kid, we had what we called Dog Hair Alders (they popped up anywhere an evergreen was cut down as dense as dog hair), and during the late spring they were just a bear to deal with, both horticulturally AND allergen-wise!

I'm doing Claritin and Fluticasone (inhaler), I usually don't need any tablets, except whenever it gets bad like this. Today is better than yesterday. I was completely grounded. I wanted to mow the lawn, but I knew that would be a trigger for even worse symptoms.

Ugh.

I use Nasarel spray daily as well as the Zyrtec--I think it's the same as Flonase but I'm not sure. Back when I lived in Ohio I only had to take meds for part of the year, but my allergies here are terrible and I've found I do much better if I take stuff every day. I was on Claritin before I was on Allegra, and Zyrtec works better than either one for me (and Allegra works better than Claritin). With both Allegra and Claritin I had to supplement with Benadryl on a lot of days during the spring (as well as if I was going to be around cats), but since I've been on Zyrtec I haven't had to use Benadryl at all.

I have been having the same thing - non stop sneezing for two days. Oy veh

Evergreen Pears are in full bloom here right now (about 6 weeks early, mind you...) . There are about 10 of them planted on the grounds of my church and yesterday it was like an allergy fest. They're beautiful, but they do wreak havoc on the sinuses.

A few years ago when they bloomed too early like they're doing now, they bloomed again about a month and a half later.

The Pussywillows cause my nose to run like tap water. See photo. The ones here on the farm that live by the dry creek are blooming. I just endure the sinus allergies, although I might want to get that book from today's review. I will increase my intake of raw honey, because it does help with the allergies.
I've tried all of them medicines, and they really don't help me. Sigh! I liked the website! Explains the headache, sinus pressure and dry eyes.
Steam helps! : )
Oops, forgot to say this photo was taken two weeks ago, and I haven't had a chance to back since to get a progress photo. I suspect that they too are blooming earlier than normal this year.
WIB.
SW

This message was edited Feb 2, 2009 4:06 PM

What book? Allery Free Gardening by Leo Tom Ogren is a good one - at least it helps you pick plants that won't cause more allergies than you already have.

Well I live downwind from the Arroyo Seco, along the eastern side of it. Last time I went riding there, I saw a lot of trees along the little stream bed, so I can imagine there are Alders, and there were definitely Oaks, and Sycamores. Once you get into the canyon in Hahamongna Watershed Park, you are completely riding in shade - and is thus one of my favorite bike rides in the summertime here!

Sounds like a sweet ride in the summer, J'man. I'll have to go check on those oaks and the pines too!

I can't find it now KC, but it was on the DG homepage book review yesterday. Rats! I thought I'd bookmarked it. Maybe that was the newsletter? Been a frustrating couple of days.

Saturday, my Mom fell and broke her ankle bones on both sides. I've been a nervous wreck. She had surgery yesterday, and is going to a short term rehab/convalescent center in about 10 minutes. Unfortunately, it's all the way up in Hemet. Almost an hour drive with traffic. But I've got things under control as much as I can now. Just keep her (and me), in your prayers.
Walk In Beauty! (carefully!)
SW

Ouch! Tell your mom we are thinking about her, SW.

Will do! : )
WIB,
SW

Oh, no fun for either of you. Sending good energy south!!!

Thanks sweetie! : )
WIB,
SW

Sending good thoughts your way...hope your mom recovers quickly!

Thinking of you and your mom and hoping for a speedy heal to that ankle.

SW - My mom just took a spill up in Blaine, WA. Not exactly where I can come anbd take care of her, but luckily my sister is up there and is a very doting nurse! She dislocated and fractured her upper arm. She got help up by two kind men, but then drove herself home. I'll tell you - she is of what Brokaw calls The Greatest Generation - and there is something to be said about that. If that was me, I would have been yelling out for 911!

Hope your mom feels better soon.
Jeff

Thanks Jeff,
I just returned from the rehab ctr. Mom is tired and resting comfortably, but admitted finally that I did the right thing, when I called 911. I have to admit I had to call in the Big Gun, my sister the Nurse to get her backup, she lives in Texas. As soon as I saw Mom, I knew she had to go to the hospital, but I weigh half of what she does, and can't lift her. Yes, she too is part of the Greatest Generation and my hat's off to her, but by golly, there is no reason for her to be in pain that long without seeking help. Of course I'm a sissy when it comes to pain.
I hope that your Mom starts to feel better soon, and that you and your sister don't have as stubborn a Mom, as I do. At least I know that I come by my stubborness honestly. LOL!
I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers, too!
WIB,
SW

My mom is the same, but at 94 has finally agreed that she has to watch her Ps & Qs so she can stay in her own home as long as possible. She had a couple of falls doing silly things - now she is much more careful and just waits for my sis (right next door) to come over if she needs something done.

Hope your mom is better soon, too, Jeff!