Valley doctors busy treating allergy sufferers
Mar 18, 2013, 5:00 AM
PHOENIX — A lot of people are being bothered by allergies in the Valley.
Tempe St. Luke’s Doctor David Mendelson said many of them are showing up at his office.
“We’re seeing a big increase in allergies,” said Mendelson. “Especially with the rain that we’ve been getting. That increases growth and pollen counts. The desert is starting to bloom.”
When asked what is blooming in the desert, Mendelson said “it’s almost what’s not blooming. We have a lot of trees, and grass and flowers.”
If you have allergies, Mendelson said closing the windows and using a filter at home can help you.
“I recommend using one that has a hepa filter,” said Mendelson. “That purifies the air in the home. I recommend putting that in the bedroom, let it run 24 hours a day, and close the bedroom door so that at least you have purified air in the bedroom.”
There are some over the counter medications that can help. Mendelson recommends Claritan, Allegra, and Zyrtec. He said if those don’t work, you should consider seeing your doctor.
Mendelson said allergies will probably subside once temperatures reach 100 degrees, but allergy season will start again in the fall when temperatures go down.
