INTERVIEWS: Doctor's Advice For Early Allergy Season (Photo) -03/18/24

Portland, Ore. (March 19, 2024) – With the arrival of spring this Tuesday, Portland has already seen heightened pollen counts that signal an early allergy season. Climate change is playing a role in lengthening allergy seasons and intensifying pollen levels, creating increasing challenges for allergy sufferers. Dr. Mark Chan, Allergy and Immunology Specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, offers advice on how to prepare for the early allergy season in Oregon and understand its potential health implications.

“The early onset of allergy season in Portland raises concerns for those prone to seasonal allergies,” said Dr. Chan. “Itchy, watery eyes; itchy, runny nose and sneezing are the most common and uncomfortable symptoms, but there are preventive measures you can take to manage allergies more effectively. Simple things like closing your windows, changing your clothes when you come in from outdoors, and even just showering and washing your hands can help a lot.”

It’s also important to know how to differentiate between allergy symptoms and signs of illness, like COVID-19, RSV, the flu or a common cold, as many of the symptoms overlap. “Respiratory illnesses and seasonal allergies are getting harder to differentiate,” said Dr. Chan. “For example, runny nose and sore throat are common with the COVID-19 and with allergies. But there are several symptoms more closely associated with respiratory illness that you can watch for.”

In addition to offering clues on determining if you have allergies, COVID or a common cold, Dr. Chan says there are measures you can take to help reduce your spring allergy symptoms, such as closing your windows, changing your clothes when you come in from outdoors, and - pro tip - wearing your mask, which will help prevent allergies and reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 at the same time.

Interviews available
Mark Chan, MD, Allergy and Immunology Specialist with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore., is available for Zoom interviews with media from 11:15 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, March 19. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Chan is prepared to discuss:
• Why Portland is seeing an early allergy season
• How to reduce your spring allergies and minimize health risks
• Which symptoms are common, and which are more worrisome
• Symptoms of allergies vs. respiratory illness and clues to tell the difference
• When you should speak to your health care provider.

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