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Don't gather round the old oak tree Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Melody Oliveria, left, and Cheyenne Ghigliri of Medford walk under a giant oak tree in Holmes Park in Medford. Oak trees are some of the biggest producers of allergy-causing pollen this time of year. Peak pollen times are evening and early morning. By John Darling for the Mail Tribune If you're sneezing, wheezing and popping antihistamines now, it probably means you're allergic to pollen from trees - especially leafy ones such as maple and oak. Tree pollen production peaks about now and continues for another month, allergists say. This year is about average for pollen because it's been a winter of average rainfall, according to the pollen map on allernet.com. Still, the region west of the Cascades has some of the highest pollen counts in the world, and about 25 to 30 percent of residents suffer from pollen allergies, said allergist Dr. Edward Kerwin of the Allergy & Asthma Center of Southern Oregon in Medford. Although you may see lots of flowers and fruit trees in bloom, don't worry - they're pollinated by bees, so their pollen doesn't get into the air as much and bother humans, said George Tiger, urban horticulturist with the Oregon State University Extension Service in Central Point. Tree pollen is another story. It relies on wind to spread it around and can travel long distances. If you're an extremely pollen-sensitive person, you may want to clear your yard of pollen-generating trees. The symptoms of pollen allergies are runny, itchy nose and eyes, sometimes compounded with coughing from post-nasal drip, said allergy medical technician Alice Tarant of Medford. Although pollen is almost everywhere, said Kerwin, you can fight back with the following tactics: Air-condition your home and keep doors closed. Central air is best. If you can only air-condition your bedroom, that will cut down your exposure by 30 to 40 percent. Flip the air conditioning on in your car and use the recirculate setting. When combined with air conditioning at work, the improvement in symptoms will be "dramatic," Kerwin said. Avoid exposure, such as strolling under trees, mowing lawns or pulling weeds. The most prolific pollen-producers are maple, oak, ash, alder, birch, cottonwood and box elder. If exposed, take a shower and change your clothes. Rinse nasal cavities with salt solution. Use glasses, a wide-brimmed hat, goggles and pollen mask where appropriate. One big exposure can produce symptoms for days. Peak pollen times are evening and early morning. Don't rub your eyes and nose. Pollen is sticky and will just spread around. Wash first if you must touch sensitive areas. Teach children pollen hygiene. Plan vacations and day trips to low-pollen areas during high-pollen season. Even a day in the more pollen-free mountains or coast will give you an advantage. Over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription drugs such as Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra or allergy shots can reduce some but not all symptoms. Prescription drugs aren't cheap - about $70 to $80 for a month's supply. When the tree pollen season is behind us in mid-May, don't expect to breathe a sigh of relief. That's exactly when the more severe, two-month grass-pollen season kicks in. So keep your lawn mowed short (by someone other than you, that is). John Darling is a free-lance writer living in Ashland. E-mail him at [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2002 Mail Tribune, Inc.