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Allergies

Staying One Step Ahead of Your Allergies

Of all the things that can cause an allergy, pollen is one of the most widespread. During the spring, summer and fall, tiny particles of pollen are released from trees, weeds, and grasses and carried by the currants of air. These pollens can trigger an allergic reaction in the nose and throat and produce symptoms such as sneezing, watery nasal discharge or nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, and headaches. This reaction is called allergic rhinitis or commonly known to most people as hay fever. More than 35 million people across the United States suffer from allergies to pollens and molds.

From year to year across the U.S., the beginning and ending times of tree, grass and weed pollen seasons are similar in the same locations. This means that the onset, length and end of pollen seasons throughout the country are relatively the same from year to year. The intensity of the pollens differs every year based on the previous year's weather, the current weather and other environmental factors or conditions. Pollen counts tend to be higher in the mornings on warm, dry, breezy days and lowest during chilly, wet periods, while mold counts tend to be higher on damp, wet and cool days.

Still, it is possible for allergy sufferers to know when to expect tree, grass and weed pollens in their area. Knowing when pollen seasons occur can help you plan outdoor activities and better manage your allergy symptoms. The local TV or radio stations, in your area, may have daily reports on the pollen and mold counts.

Trees

Trees are among the earliest pollen producers. In the southern U.S., trees can release their pollens, as early as January, and in the northern states it can be as late as May or June. Trees release large amounts of pollen that can travel for miles, based upon the type of tree producing the pollen. There are around 50,000 kinds of trees in the U.S. and less than 100 have been shown to cause allergies. If the tree produces a large, heavy pollen, such as pine, it tends to fall straight down and does not scatter. Some people do show cross-reactivity among trees in the alder, beech, birch, oak, juniper and cedar families. The trees that have shown to cause the most sensivities are:

Ash
Pecan
Box Elder
Willow
Elm
Walnut
Hickory
Sycamore
Maple
Poplar

Grasses

Grasses are the largest of the wind-pollinated plants. Grass pollination begins in May and continues through mid-July and is regional, as well as seasonal. Grass pollen levels can be affected by temperature, time of day and rain. As with trees, they are at their highest peak on a dry, warm, breezy day and lower on cool, damp days. There are more than 1,000 species of grasses growing in North America, but only a few are known to be producers of highly allergenic pollens. The most common grasses that can produce allergies are:

Bermuda grass
Johnson grass
Orchard grass
Redtop grass
Sweet vernal grass
Kentucky bluegrass
Timothy grass
Weeds

Among the most abundant producers of pollens in North America, weeds produce the largest quantity and their pollens can be carried up to two to three hundred miles away from the source. Seasons vary with the type of weed and when its pollination starts. Ragweed is known to be one of the most abundant producers of pollen and its season runs from August to November, but pollen levels tend to peak in mid September in many areas of the country. Other weeds that are of important concern are:

Curly dock
Lambs quarters
Pigweed
English Plantain
Sheep Sorrel
Sage brush
Tumbleweed
Sagebrush
Goldenrod

Mold

Mold spores can be found both indoors and outdoors. Indoor molds do not follow a seasonal pattern and are usually found in damp, warm areas of the house, as well in the air-conditioning system. Outdoor molds usually grow in moist shady areas and are commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, compost piles, rotting wood and fallen leaves and are usually of seasonal nature. Outdoor molds first appear in early spring and last until the first frost of the winter, but usually peaks from July to late summer. People who have mold allergies tend to suffer with symptoms from spring to late fall.

Tips for Avoiding Seasonal Allergens

Try to stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high, and on windy days when dust and pollen are blown about.
Use air-conditioning and a dehumidifier to clean, cool and dry the air. Make sure your filters are cleaned or changed regularly.
After spending time outdoors, remove shoes outside to avoid bringing pollen indoors. Change your clothes, as soon as possible, to avoid continued contact with accumulated pollens or shower after spending long periods of time outdoors to remove the pollen that has collected on your hair and skin.
Don't hang clothes outside to dry. Instead, dry them in a vented dryer.
Avoid yard work, such as mowing and raking.
Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen and mold spores from drifting into your home. Instead,use the air-conditioner if you need to. It will help clean, cool and dry the air in the house.
Minimize activities when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 2 PM and 4 PM, but differ for trees, grasses and weeds.
Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
Vacation in a more pollen-free area, such as the beach.
Follow the advice of your allergist or treating physician.

There are a number of websites on the Internet that provide helpful information and suggestions on allergy related problems. These are a couple that maybe helpful.

www.webmd.com
www.theallergyreport.org
www.aaaai.org
www.drkoop.com

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