New Challenge: Respiratory Allergies Are Back (With A Vengeance!)

I had allergy shots for 9 years as a child and over the years, I barely noticed any reaction to the things I'm allergic to.  Once in awhile I might get a little sneezy or have itchy eyes if I were to pet a dog.
I moved to Joshua Tree from San Diego in July 2010 and this is the first spring of living in the high desert.  I have heard that severe allergies are common in this area because of all the native desert plants.  I have been wrestling with respiratory allergies for the past month, including sneezing and lots of congestion, but I had been able to manage the symptoms with Chinese herbs called Pe Min Kan Wan.  Unfortunately, this morning I woke up with extremely swollen eyes!  My whole face itches like crazy and my eyes are very swollen.  I took a 4-hour hike in the park yesterday and I think that exposed me to the plant life a bit too long.  Needless to say, this is a new challenge for sure.  I took my herbs to see if that will help, but may have to resort to Benedryl if the swelling doesn't got down.  :-(