By Ashlyn Rhodes
Because of the dry and warm weather, spring came early to California.  And while the blooming plants are beautiful, they are playing havoc with the immune systems of allergy sufferers.  Dr. Heather Lucas-Ross, who is the Chief Physician for the Western Sierra Medical Center, says the early season is taking many people by surprise.

click to hear Dr. Heather Lucas-Ross

Dr. Lucas-Ross says even people who never previously experienced allergies are showing symptoms and often don’t learn about their new allergies until they go to their doctor with cold- or flu-like symptoms.  Dr. Lucas-Ross says there are multiple ways to help ease your allergy symptoms– from keeping windows closed and drinking lots of water to picking up medicine at your local drug store.

click to hear Dr. Heather Lucas-Ross

If your symptoms become very bad or you think you might have a sinus infection, Dr. Lucas-Ross encourages going to see your doctor.  She also says getting skin-tested for allergies can’t hurt, but might not be as helpful as you hope.
click to hear Dr. Heather Lucas-Ross

Dr. Lucas-Ross suggests cleaning out your sinuses and hitting tough allergy symptoms hard with antihistamines and decongestants.