Allergy season blooming

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Achoo! Allergy season blooming
Reprinted From The Appeal-Democrat - A Freedom Communications, Inc. Newspaper, May 2, 1999, page D-1.

Pollen, dust, mold in big supply this year
For many, the return of spring means baseball, birds in the trees and warmer temperatures. But for Connie Brown, spring also means handkerchiefs, antihistamines, and nasal sprays. Brown, a Yuba City resident, has allergies -- including hay fever -- and if not for her allergy medications and weekly doctor's visits, she would be miserable. "I have a runny nose, a lot of mucous in the back of my throat, the itchy eyes, all the things that make you say yech when you wake up in the morning," she said.

For many, the return of spring means baseball, birds in the trees and warmer temperatures. But for Connie Brown, spring also means handkerchiefs, antihistamines, and nasal sprays. Brown, a Yuba City resident, has allergies -- including hay fever -- and if not for her allergy medications and weekly doctor's visits, she would be miserable. "I have a runny nose, a lot of mucous in the back of my throat, the itchy eyes, all the things that make you say yech when you wake up in the morning," she said.

Dr. Robert Peppercorn, a Yuba City physician, says his office has seen a swarn of patients seeking relief from almond, acacia, and oak pollens that are currently blanketing the area. "We are getting about 10 to 15 phone calls a day, and we are seeing five to 10 patients a day, Peppercorn said. "Normally, we see less than five a day, even at its peak."

The majority of people who suffer allergies -- which experts estimate to be 25 percent of the population -- look to over the counter remedies. But, Peppercorn said, if those side effects -- including lightheadedness, drowsiness, and irritability -- are too severe, a doctor's appointment is in order.

"If it's interfering with work, home life, or personality, it's time to do something," he said.