Warmer, windy weather ahead is allergy misery to many in Arizona
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — After a stretch of rain last week and a warm-up on the way next week, doctors are warning people with allergies to be ready to prevent flare-ups in the coming weeks.
The rain helps clear the air from pollen and dust, but it feeds the plants that produce the pollen, according to doctors at Banner Health.
Family Nurse Practitioner Samia Kadri said the sun dries up everything, which can lead to more pollen spreading across the Phoenix area
“People really do suffer a little bit more from allergies, just given that we have so much pollen, so many grasses, oak trees, ash, pecans, and olives, and all those trees that are blooming and about to bloom even more,” Kadri said.
Every time there’s a period of rainfall, Kadri said she always sees patients come in with allergy flare-ups. So, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, she highly recommends having your antihistamines, nasal spray, and inhalers ready.
Kadri said taking your allergy medication or inhalers now or at least two weeks before typical flare-ups can help prevent symptoms from becoming severe. She also said it could save you a trip to the doctor’s office.
“Now we’re transitioning out of winter, so there’s upper respiratory infections, there’s seasonal allergies, and the symptoms overlap,” Kadri said. “So they come in, and they’re like, ‘I think I’m sick, you know, I’ve been living in Arizona for a long time. I don’t have allergies.' You’ll feel like you have pink eye, but it’s really your allergies.”
Kadri said any generic antihistamines will help relieve symptoms; however, she advised against using one common over-the-counter medication.
“I don’t recommend Benadryl unless you’re having an allergic reaction,” she said. “So the second generation antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec, you can also do a saline nasal spray just to help the congestion and the mucus kind of flow and thin out.”
Common symptoms Kadri sees this time of year are runny nose, red eyes, congestion and sore throat.
Kadri also said Sudafed can help dry out your congested mucus. However, if you have a history of high blood pressure, she advises consulting with your primary care provider before taking any decongestants.
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