SNIFFLE, SNEEZE, COUGH: ALLERGY SEASON IS HERE.

Byline: Martin Kuz Staff Writer

Hack, wheeze, sniffle - the sounds of spring once again echo through the San Fernando Valley.

Between a persistent seasonal bug and what's been a warm, dry spring, people across the region are searching for relief from a rash of sinus colds, infections and allergies.

``I should have bought stock in Kleenex - I go through a box a day,'' said Rhoda Barnhard, who works in the Tarzana allergy clinic of her husband, Dr. Robert Barnhard. ``It's been awful.''

While doctors and clinics say the cold bug has been no worse than normal, people are reporting a miserable spring. Allergists and pharmacists say heavy rains late last year and more moisture earlier this spring have the pollen count in overdrive.

The result: More business for them. And more tissues for patients.

``We've had a 15 percent increase in allergy patients this year,'' said Dr. Jacob Offenberger, who runs a Granada Hills clinic. ``It started last month and won't drop off again until May.''

The Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center reports a 5 percent increase the past two weeks of patients complaining of allergy-induced asthma, congestion and other respiratory ailments, spokesman Ron Yukelson said.

Irv Berger, a pharmacist at Northridge Pharmacy, said more first-time allergy sufferers are visiting him in search of relief.

``Runny nose, itchy throat, watery eyes - they're coming in with the whole list of symptoms,'' Berger said.

As Milli Vanilli once lip-synched, blame it on the rain, which produced a bumper crop of pollen this spring. The dustlike grains unleashed by trees, flowers, plants and grass agitate the sinuses of allergy sufferers, leaving them coughing and sneezing through the work or school day. Or home sick.

``Kids didn't use to miss school for allergies before,'' said Raquel Macias, office manager of Sylvan Park Elementary School in Van Nuys. ``Now we're getting parents calling up saying their kids have to stay home because their allergies are so bad. It's unheard of.''

Macias knows their pain. She uses prescription capsules, an inhaler and nasal spray to battle her allergies, careful to the 12-hour cycle of the capsules.

``If I lapse by even 20 minutes, I start sneezing, coughing, there's nasal congestion,'' she said.

Doctors said a variety of remedies, from decongestants and antihistamines to nasal steroids and shots, can help allergy patients breathe easier. They also suggest trying to avoid spending too much time outdoors, at least until the pollen count recedes sometime next month.

``If you feel like going to the park for a walk, go to the mall instead,'' Offenberger said. ``Unless you want to see more of me.''

Added Robert Barnhard: ``Try to stay clear of the things that affect you - for example, a particular tree in your back yard.''

But even being married to an allergist doesn't guarantee relief.

Rhoda Barnhard takes Claritin, a prescription medicine, to combat her allergy-caused headaches. She also takes her husband's advice, yet the suggestions of a bona fide, certified allergist still can't entirely cure her condition.

``He tells me I should go see another doctor,'' she said with a laugh. ``But I know it wouldn't help.''