Juniper Bloom Allergy Tips For Central Oregon

Here are some juniper bloom allergy tips from Mosaic to help you breathe easier this spring. Information provided by Mosaic Triage Nurse Paula Holden RN, BSN, Director of Patient Support Services Lindsey Stailing and ClearTriage patient education.

Spring in Central Oregon brings fresh blooms and breakthrough days of sunshine—but also marks the start of allergy season. Not only are allergies inconvenient and uncomfortable, but they can also worsen chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD. At Mosaic, we are seeing patients calling in with symptoms now due to the “juniper bloom”—the period of early spring when the juniper trees begin to produce pollen or “bloom”—a notorious source of airborne pollen in Central Oregon this time of year. Clouds of “dust” around Juniper trees are a common sight as the wind blows and birds or animals moving on the branches release pollen into the air. This often creates a pollen cloud that looks like haze from smog or pollution. Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis) is the name given to the allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen—and about a quarter of adults have diagnosed hay fever in the U.S.

I Don’t Have Allergies—So Why Am I Experiencing Symptoms?

You might never have had hay fever before, but if you are new to the High Desert of Central Oregon, you can develop allergy symptoms the longer you live here. Instead of becoming less sensitive to pollen the more you experience it, your immune system may actually become MORE reactive over time as it experiences unfamiliar pollen like juniper, sagebrush and rabbitbrush.

What Are the Symptoms of Hay Fever (Nasal Allergies)?

• Itching of the nose, eyes and roof of mouth.
• Runny nose (clear nasal discharge).
• Sneezing and sniffing.
• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
• Watery eyes.
• Note that fever is NOT a symptom of hay fever (nasal allergies).

Can Hay Fever Lead to Complications?

Yes. Nasal allergies can lead to complications like sinus infections and bronchitis. The swelling of nasal passages can prevent mucus from draining and lead to infection.

How Can I Manage My Allergies At Home To Improve Symptoms and Prevent Complications?

• Wash your hair and shower to remove pollen. This is especially important right before bedtime before you lay on your pillow where the pollen will end up, causing increased symptoms at night and the next morning.
• Change your pillowcase every day.
• Stay indoors on windy days.
• Keep windows closed at home, at least in the bedroom.
• Use a high efficiency house air filter (HEPA or electrostatic).
• Do not use window fans if you don’t have to.
• Use an air purifier, if available.
• Keep windows closed in your car and turn your car AC on recirculate mode.
• Pets:
  • • After petting your animals that go outside, wipe off their fur with a damp cloth and wash your hands.
    • Avoid touching your face before you wash your hands.
• Nasal Irrigation:
  • • Saline (salt water) nasal irrigation (nasal wash) is an effective and simple home remedy for treating stuffy nose and sinus congestion. You can also us nasal irrigation to wash out pollen and loosen up dried mucus. The nose can be irrigated by pouring, spraying or squirting salt water into the nose and then letting it run back out.
    • How it Helps: The saltwater rinses out excess mucus and washes out any irritants (dust, allergens) that might be present. It also moistens the nasal cavity.
    • Methods: There are several ways to irrigate the nose. You can use a saline nasal spray bottle (available over the counter), a rubber ear syringe, a medical syringe without the needle or a Neti Pot.
• Over the counter medications:
  • • You can take cetirizine, fexofenadine or loratadine by mouth to reduce sneezing, itching and runny nose. They can help decrease or stop hay fever and allergy symptoms and do not cause drowsiness.
    • If you take the antihistamine, diphenhydramine/Benadryl, use caution or take before bedtime because it can make you drowsy.
• For eye symptoms, wash pollen off the face and eyelids. Then apply cold wet compresses. Nasal steroids (like fluticasone) or oral antihistamines will usually bring all eye symptoms under control.

How Do I Manage Allergy Season if I Have Asthma, COPD or Another Type of Breathing Condition?

• Use your preventative inhaler daily, which should hopefully decrease your need for the rescue inhaler.
• Check the expiration date on your inhaler.
• Clean your spacer with warm soap and water.
• If you don’t have a spacer to use with your inhaler, call us to make an appointment (541-383-3005).
• If you have chronic sinus and allergy issues, talk to your doctor about starting a daily nasal spray like Flonase (fluticasone) to reduce the swelling in your sinuses.
• See your primary care provider if you are having no improvement or if your asthma and breathing difficulties are not responding to your normal home treatments.

How Can I Manage Symptoms if I Am Houseless and Live in an RV or Tent?

For the houseless community, seasonal needs can be a challenge to navigate. Here are recommendations from our Mobile Clinic/Street Medicine Team for allergy season:

• Stay hydrated.
• Take medications as recommended.
• Visit indoor spaces like public libraries when possible.
• Talk to a Mosaic Community Health Worker about available shelters, shower services and laundry services.

If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or have a chronic condition like asthma or COPD, reach out to your Mosaic care team. We’re here to help you manage symptoms, adjust medications and stay healthy this spring. Call us at 541-383-3005 or send a message through MyChart to schedule an appointment or speak with a triage nurse.