GETTING A BUNCH IN THE NOSE POLLEN COUNT WREAKING HAVOC.

Byline: Nicholas Grudin Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Blooming flowers and sprouting buds are dispensing clouds of pollen into the spring air, causing a severe allergy season that could force valley residents to make lifestyle adjustments, according to allergy experts.

Allergists at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital have already seen uncharacteristically large crowds of allergy patients this spring as the pollen season got a head start due to heavy rains in February.

``This is a busy season for all allergies,'' said Houshang Farhadian, an allergist at Newhall Memorial. ``The Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys are both heavily pollenated areas.''

Farhadian and his colleague, allergist Lawrence Strick, say that the valley creates a vortex of allergens due to a combination of greenery, wind and the fact that pollen and pollutants gets stuck in the air between the mountains and have no where to go. This is the same phenomenon that has made Santa Clarita one of the worst cities in the nation for ozone pollution.

According to Strick, particles from cars as well as flowers settle into the valley and attack the lungs, throat, eyes and nose.

``It's a valley and all the pollen is trapped in the valley,'' Strick said. ``Near the ocean, the ocean breeze blows pollutants as well as pollens out of the immediate area.''

Telltale symptoms of seasonal allergies include itchy and runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, dark circles under the eyes and a crease on the tip of the nose - the crease is caused by rubbing and itching the nose.

These are all relatively minor symptoms that can be addressed by either avoiding allergens or using over-the-counter medications. If neither of those solutions solves the problem, see a doctor, Strick said.

Some of the easiest ways to cut down on contact with pollen are:

--Using air conditioners and air purifiers, which both filter pollen out of the air.

--Washing or brushing hair after being outdoors, as it is close to your face and often carries pollen.

--Bathing pets, especially dogs, often.

--Avoiding the outdoors in the morning or at dusk, when pollen is at its worst.

--Avoiding lawn mowing.

Unfortunately, even the most thorough pollen-avoiders may be out of luck this time of year, Strick said.

``It takes just a few grains of pollen to set off a lot of symptoms.''

On April 3, the hospital is hosting a free asthma and allergy clinic for those interested. The event will be held at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria annex in the main hospital building.

The clinic will include free allergy tests, including skin tests, sinus ultrasounds and breathing tests. For information, call the hospital at [phone].

Nicholas Grudin, [phone]

nicholas.grudin(at)dailynews.com