Allergy Season Do’s And Don’ts: 6 Things Which Can Help

Spring officially begins on Tuesday, March 19th. But many Southern Nevada residents have already begun to feel the effects of allergy season.

Ah yes, springtime. All the flowers, trees and shrubs begin to bloom, adding color to our scenery after a dark and drab winter. But, along with all of those pretty flowers and colors, many of us have to deal with an allergy or two. Spring becomes the season of sneezing, sinus headaches, itchy eyes, itchy skin, rashes, and hives. Experts are saying that this year's allergy season won't start as early as it did in 2023. At least we have that going for us.

As you can see from the photos below, actually avoiding these three types of trees in the Las Vegas Valley may be nearly impossible. They seem to be everywhere. Why? Because they are hearty species that can survive through our dry climate. So, you see these types of trees, shrubs, and plants adorning the areas surrounding apartments and housing subdivisions. Additionally, many people plant them in front and backyards for privacy. Also, for year-round green in our mostly brown landscape.

In fact, according to an article by KTNV Staff on KTNV.com, there are already three types of plants that are no longer sold or planted in Clark County: "green/crimson fountain grass, fruitless mulberry trees, and fruiting olive trees." You can no longer plant them in Clark County due to the allergens they release. If you already have one or more of these varieties on your property, don't worry, you don't have to remove them. But you can no longer replace them with the same type of plants.

So, how do we deal with allergies? Another article on KTNV.com written by Abel Garcia reports that lots of Southern Nevadans are heading to local allergists who specialize in treating these symptoms and determining what causes your allergy. However, according to Garcia's article, patients are having to wait many months to get an appointment on the books. That just goes to show you how many more residents in our region are suffering from allergies.

Experts do have some advice which you can put to use on a daily basis to help relieve your symptoms. Check them out below.

Updated March 5, 2024

We have a bunch of these on our property, and they are all more than ten years old. We would hate to remove them. When we planted them we had no idea that my wife would be allergic. Live and learn. However, they do provide lots of privacy and shade for our backyard.

I haven't seen many of these around the Las Vegas Valley, but if you do see them, don't breathe! Just kidding. I looked it up, and apparently, those berries are edible. Who knew?

There are plenty of ash trees throughout our region. And, when the wind blows, watch out. That's when the allergy symptoms really kick in for many of us. Is it just me, or has this been a windier than normal winter in the Las Vegas Valley?

This is a health practice I have been using for years. In fact, nasal irrigation with similar implements has been practiced for centuries in Asian countries such as India. I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to dust and cat dander, although I have never been diagnosed by an allergist. Back when we had a cat, I used to get serious allergy symptoms at various times throughout the year. My doctor at the time told me to start using a sinus rinse at night, and it has helped.

Back when I was suffering from allergies more often, I tried various antihistamine products. The pills and capsules made me a little fuzzy-headed. The spray works better for me. Don't get hooked on it though!

With our very dry climate here in Southern Nevada, it is good idea to add moisture to the air, especially while you sleep. Using a humidifier will help moisten your nasal passages and sinuses so those pesky allergens get washed away. However, make sure to clean your humidifier daily.