Valley breeze stirs up pollen, signals start of allergy season for many

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The cool breeze provided a nice break from the warm weather but it also moved pollen all around the Valley. Allergy sufferers at Fresno State noticed the change in the air as they made their way to class.

"I feel the pollen getting into my system. I actually sneezed probably like at least five times on my walk here from the Peters building," said Ralph Ruiz, a Fresno State student.

"Pretty bad. I think it's at its worst right now because of spring. A lot of sneezing. My eyes get real watery," said Adrian Solis, a Fresno State student.

Pretty flowers are blooming all over. The spring colors are accompanied by fragrant smells. Fresno allergist Dr. Bill Ebbeling says in most cases those flowers aren't to blame for your seasonal allergies.

"Now, the biggest lie you ever saw is when you see these advertisements showing the trees flowering and the flowers blooming. Nobody's allergic to the flowering plants," said Ebbeling.

Ebbeling says most people in the Valley are allergic to grasses and pollens produced by trees. Just the sight of tall grass seemingly is enough to make your eyes itch.

"But it's the oaks, the ashes and the maples that don't have pretty flowers that end up transmitting the pollen through the air in the millions and billions of numbers. That's what gives us the troubles," said Ebbeling.

Even if you have a relatively pollen-free yard, Ebbeling says pollen can travel 20 miles.