Fast-growing grass makes allergies worse on the West Coast

Trees and grass are usually a problem for allergy sufferers on the West coast but if you think your allergies are a lot worse this year, you're not alone.

AllergistDr. Donald Stark says the grass is growing fast andthat means allergies will linger a few extra weeks.

"I think it has been a worse grass season this year," said Stark. "Maybe not quite as bad as a tree pollen season but there's been more overlap. I think with the grass and tree pollen season that compounds the problem."

Stark says the cool, wet weather of spring delayedthe tree pollen season, but made the grass grow even faster.

"The tree pollen season can overlap with the grass season, so people who are frequently allergic to both tree and grass pollenare getting a double whammy."

Some 30 per centof people suffer from allergies. Stark says most don't need an allergy test but if your symptoms get worse each year, it may be helpful to get tested.

"Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between a respiratory infection versus allergies. Usually allergies are moreassociated with the symptoms of itchy eyes and nose over more general malaise."

It's not just allergists seeing an increase in patients this summer acupuncturists like Julie Shillabeer are also seeing more allergy sufferers looking for relief.

"I've been seeing a huge increase with patients coming in for acute allergy symptoms," saysShillabeer, who is treating patientKate Leinweber for worse-than-normal allergies.

Leinweber says Chinese medicine helps, relieving some of the pressure and making it easier to breathe.

With or without treatment though, allergyrelief is ultimately on its waythegrass season should finally winddown at the end of July.