ALLERGY SUFFERERS: GET READY FOR NASAL MANEUVERS.

Byline: Dana Bartholomew Staff Writer

Hail the sounds of spring already - wheezing, sneezing and sniffling as high winds Wednesday worsened the suffering of thousands at the start of the allergy season.

As trees let loose a barrage of pre-spring pollen, Los Angeles residents flocked to pharmacies and doctors offices, seeking remedies for runny noses, reddened eyes and itchy hives.

``Today, I'm miserable,'' said Marita Noehles, 69, of West Hills. ``I have dry mouth; one side of my nose is bleeding. I'm getting nervous, shaky, because of my allergies.

``The wind and the pollen flying around, I have (allergies) in the springtime.''

Noehles isn't alone.

Each year, 36 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies caused by pollen and outdoor mold, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Collectively, they spend $6 billion on drugs and doctors and cost employers more than $250 million in lost work.

``We have (had) a lot of sniffles since the heat wave started,'' said Dr. Jacob Offenberger, an allergist in Granada Hills who has seen a 20 percent spike in patients. ``They're suffering from sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes. We see a lot of people with their asthma acting up. And hives, a lot of people have hives now.''

In Southern California, the allergy season generally runs from March through November, according to allergists. In late winter and early spring, which begins March 20 this year, winds blow pollen from such trees as ash, mulberry, sycamore and oak.

Toward summer, residents suffer from an onslaught of pollenating grasses and, in the fall, weeds. During and after rain, outdoor molds come into play.

This week, pollen and mold meters in Santa Barbara and Orange counties recorded very high tree pollen, but low molds left over from recent rain.

``Calls have picked up with the wind,'' said Dr. Michael Roberts, an allergist in West Hills. ``The last couple days, things have been more hectic than usual - even in Southern California, there are seasons.''

Weather forecasters predict the Santa Ana winds will continue through Saturday.

For allergies, doctors and pharmacists recommend the following remedies:

--A good over-the-counter antihistamine. If coupled with a decongestant, such medicines can cause drowsiness or affect those with high blood pressure or other maladies, so read the fine print.

--To avoid pollens, roll up windows while driving, stay indoors, and avoid parks and outdoor activities, particularly in the afternoon.

--Mix a saline solution of a quarter-teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of water and squirt it in your nose with an eyedropper to flush out pollen.

--If symptoms persist, contact a doctor or pharmacist.

``A lot of people are having trouble distinguishing from allergies and a cold,'' said pharmacist Barry Pascal, owner of Northridge Pharmacy. While colds are short-lived and can be accompanied by fever, allergies can last a month or more.

Dr. George Guerra, an allergist at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills, said the wind and warm weather has encouraged an explosion of pollen that can blow for up to 100 miles.

Guerra and Offenberger say they have been working extra hours just to accommodate all their patients.

``People should not assume that runny noses and itchy eyes for three weeks is a cold,'' Offenberger said. ``It's usually allergies - and you can take care of it.

``There's no reason to suffer.''

Dana Bartholomew, [phone]

dana.bartholomew(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

(color) Dandelion seeds, blown by Wednesday's high winds, float up into the air, as allergy suffers brace for the worst.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photographer