Summer is on the way and sunny days are beckoning Napans to enjoy more outdoor activities. But many locals are battling runny noses, scratchy eyes and sinus headaches — all because of Mother Nature.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, there are more than 50 million allergy sufferers in America and nearly 55 percent of all Americans “test positive to one or more allergens.”

Dr. Larry Posner of North Bay Allergy and Asthma Medical Associates said seasonal allergy symptoms occur when the body’s immune system reacts to pollens in the same way that it attacks bacteria or viruses.



Posner’s patient volume usually doubles each May, and this year is no exception. He said local grass pollen levels skyrocket in May and level off in June and July.

Dr. Robert Freinkel, a specialist at the office of Allergies and Asthma Medical Associates on Valle Verde Drive, said at least 20 percent of Napans suffer from allergies, adding that the ailment is the most common chronic disease in America.

Posner said the most typical outdoor allergens include tree, grass and weed pollens. During most of the year, there is something outdoors that can make people sniffle and sneeze.

“The oak trees were off the chart in April. One of the biggest problems are olive trees; they’re very allergenic. Tree season peaks in April and grasses come out in May. ... Weed pollens come out from mid-August to September and outdoor molds peak in the fall.”

Posner, an allergy specialist since 1989, offered some tips for Napans who cannot seem to leave the house without their trusty box of Kleenex.

“If people have medications that give them some relief, they should stay on them every day ahead of time (during allergy season) — not just on bad days.”

He said over-the-counter saline nasal rinses can help to relieve congestion. Popular over-the-counter antihistamines, however, affect everyone differently, and finding one that doesn’t make you drowsy can be a challenge, he said. Posner said prescription medications with the fewest side effects include Loratidine, Claritin and Alavert. Zaditor eyedrops, formerly available only when prescribed, are now available over the counter, he said.

Peter Corbet-Owen, a pharmacist at Rite Aid on Imola Avenue, said he is filling more than the usual number of prescriptions for Zaditor and Claritin.

With or without the use of prescription medications, allergy sufferers can lower pollen levels in their homes by following more advice from Freinkel and Posner.

“Pollen counts tend to be the highest at daybreak when light hits plants, triggering the release of pollen,” said Posner. Outdoor activities are best reserved for the afternoon and keeping bedroom windows closed will help keep irritants outside. People with allergies should shower before bed to rinse pollens off if they spent much time outside, Posner said.

Freinkel said bathing after mowing the grass will prevent irritants on the body from getting onto furniture and carpets.

People can’t avoid pollen entirely, he said, but a combination of medication and common sense tactics can help.