Allergies in Phoenix are Back in Swing

February is already over, and spring will be here in the blink of an eye, heralding the return of allergies in Phoenix and across the Valley. Although allergens such as pollen, dust, and pollution can be found in the Valley any time of the year, springtime presents a particular problem. The spring months begin weed season, grass pollination and tree pollination. The increase in pollen causes a spike in allergies in Phoenix; this is why the months to come are known as allergy season. Knowing what you may be allergic to can help you better manage them. Arrowhead Health Centers and our providers have years of experience in allergy testing and allergy treatment. We can help you keep away any hazy days. Our dedicated family practice providers have all of the tools you need to combat seasonal allergies. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common springtime allergies in the Phoenix Area and their symptoms to keep you prepared.

Common Allergies in Phoenix

• Mulberry– This deciduous tree is in a large part responsible for the rise in pollen counts in the valley over the past 30 years. It produces a large amount highly allergenic pollen, making it a major contributor to allergies in Phoenix. Reactions can vary from conjunctivitis (allergic pink eye), asthma,sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing and fatigue.
• Ash– These large ornamental trees that are used commonly in Phoenix landscaping. They are very active pollinators in the spring. What makes ash allergies so common, and severe, is that ash pollen cross-reacts with olive pollen, which is also highly allergenic. Common ash allergy symptoms are itching, sneezing, headache, breathing problems, sinus pain, watery eyes and runny nose.
• Mesquite– Pollen.com says mesquite “can be a serious offender in the southcentral and southwestern regions of the United States. The plants produce considerable airborne pollen.” They require little water and low maintenance, and are a popular choice for desert landscaping. Mesquite allergies cause conjunctivitis, asthma, but also nasal inflammation (rhinitis), asthma, nasal congestion, sneezing, scratchy throat, and even contact dermatitis.
• Ragweed– A perennial weed, ragweed is arguably the most common seasonal allergen. Contact with pollen in those who are sensitized causes coughing, wheezing, swollen eyelids with itchy eyes, itchy throat, itchy ears, sneezing, runny nose, hives and other rashes.
• Bermudagrass– Grass that is well suited to Arizona, it can be found in Phoenix area fields, parks home lawns and golf courses. As far as allergies in Phoenix go, this grass is more significant than others because it is extremely allergenic. Those that suffer from bermudagrass allergies commonly complain of itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Don’t Just Tolerate Allergies in Phoenix

You don’t have to suffer through your allergies, just treating the symptoms. In fact, if you forgo allergy treatment and ignore your symptoms, you may have some bigger problems in store. A major effect if left untreated is sleep deprivation. This can affect your ability to drive, and can lower your immune system. Chronic inflammation associated with allergies can lead to sinus and ear infections, blockages, lung infections, and even pneumonia. No need to worry, though. There is a safe, quick, effective way to be screened for allergies. Arrowhead Health Centers offers allergy testing, which is done as a skin test and can give you results in as little as 15 minutes. Our experience in dealing with allergies in Phoenix has allowed us to develop an immunotherapy program that is an inside-out approach to allergy treatment. If you suffer from allergies, or would like to learn more about allergy testing, call us at (623) 777-5587.