Best ways to fight allergies

Spring is in full swing on the central coast and while many are enjoying the warmer weather, others are fighting spring allergies.

Millions of Americans deal with watery and itchy eyes, runny noses and sneezing, but for elementary school student Andres Arieas, the symptoms can be much worse.

“I get so congested I can’t breathe,” said Arieas.

Arieas’ mother, Maria, told KION that her son is dealing with asthma that is brought on by his allergies

“He has different allergies,” said Maria Camarena. “Pollen, dust, horses, grass”

Since Andres is a fan of animals the allergy symptoms have been especially hard.

“I like horses because I like to touch their hair, but now I can’t because I have allergies,” said Arieas,

On the central coast what is typically causing allergies is pollen.

“Seasonally we are seeing very high levels of oak pollen, juniper pollen and a lot of other tree pollen,” said Dr. Steven Prager from Central Coast Allergy and Asthma.

Weed and grass pollen typically hit the Salinas Valley more while at the coast you will likely see more tree pollen.
“Allergies are an overactive immune system,” said Prager. “Your immune systems is confused, thinks these things are a problem and it tries to get rid of them.”

The best way to avoid symptoms are to keep the doors and windows in your home and car shut to keep the pollen out. Also, take a shower and wash your hair after outdoor activities so you don’t bring the pollen inside with you. Finally, wipe off pets when they come indoors and don’t let them sleep in your bed with you. Over the counter medications are also an option as well.

If your allergies are as bad as young Andres Arieas’ you can go see a specialists to get treated.

“It feels better because you can breathe well,” said Arieas