Dr. Summit Shah: Are Hollywood Residents Prepared for a Difficult Allergy Season?

As a general rule, Hollywood -- and indeed the entirety of the state of California -- has always remained a few steps ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to a wide range of diverse issues. Whether it is the region’s progressive policy decisions or its unique ability to shape popular culture, Hollywood residents seem to be so keenly aware of what the future likely holds that they are able to consistently capitalize on their unique level of foresight in the most interesting of ways.

While the region of California that includes Hollywood is generally known for its near-perfect year-round climate, residents are not exactly immune to the effects of allergy season. Dr. Summit Shah, a Central Ohio allergist who completed a fellowship at the Scripps Institute in Southern California, contends that many of the region’s residents are indeed uniquely aware of the most ideal methods for preparing for an allergy season poised to be especially difficult this year.

Despite making this assertion and even going on to praise the preparatory prowess of Southern Californians, Dr. Shah also pointed out that there is always more that can be done to ensure residents are able to truly enjoy the region’s idyllic climate without having to endure allergy- or asthma-related issues. Acknowledging the inherent difficulty often associated with securing an appointment with an allergist during the peak of allergy season, the Central Ohio allergist made it clear that even those unable to see a medical specialist in advance of allergy season can still take advantage of preparatory measures that will help reduce or eliminate many of the most common allergy-season issues.

While energy-conscious homeowners might prefer the cooling effect of a natural breeze to that of the air conditioner, keeping the windows and doors closed as often as possible prevents allergens from entering the home during the peak of the season (this is also true when traveling by car). Replacing the air conditioning unit’s air filter in a timely fashion is also helpful for those hoping to keep allergens out of their home.

Residents prone to allergens benefit from recognizing the time of day in which those allergens are most prevalent. Pollen, for example, tends to register its highest levels during the morning hours, so simply limiting outdoor activities to the afternoon hours can be an effective strategy for minimizing the adverse effects of a particularly difficult allergy season.

According to Dr. Shah, it is obviously most ideal for individuals with allergy- and asthma-related issues to visit an allergist prior to the onset of allergy season. In the meantime, however, Southern Californians surely understand the value of being informed regarding the additional measures that might be used to reduce the difficulty associated with a particularly potent allergy season.