What Is Pollen?

• Plants make tiny grains called pollen in order to reproduce.
• Pollen comes from trees, grasses and weeds.
• These pollens are light and easily carried by the wind.
• Pollen from flowers do not usually cause allergy problems. These pollen grains are too large to be wind blown.

Pollens are released at different times of the year:

Trees	Spring
Grasses	Summer
Weeds	Fall

• Pollen counts tend to be higher in the morning and on warm, dry, windy days.
• Pollen counts tend to be lower during cold, wet periods.
• Pollen counts in your area are posted at the Weather Network or online (www.theweathernetwork.com).

 

Pollen Allergy

• Pollen is an outdoor allergen.
• An allergen is something you are allergic to.
• Pollen can trigger sneezing, runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes, nose or throat, and watery eyes.
• Ragweed pollen is a common asthma trigger.
• People with a pollen allergy may think that they have a spring or summer cold, but the symptoms last longer than 2 weeks.
• Symptoms that seem to occur at the same time each year may be caused by a pollen allergy. Talk to your doctor.

 

Avoidance Measures

• The more you avoid what you are allergic to, the fewer symptoms you will have.
• Keep the windows of your home and car closed when pollen counts are high.
• Air conditioning may be helpful to keep pollen from coming indoors.
• Stay indoors in the morning when pollen levels are higher.
• If working outdoors, wearing a face mask to filter out pollen may be helpful.
• Avoid cutting the grass or doing yard work if it causes symptoms.
• Do not dry clothes outdoors.  
• Pollen can stick to clothes, shoes and to your pet's fur.

 

Treating a Pollen Allergy

• During the pollen season, nasal symptoms can often be controlled with antihistamines and nasal steroid spray.
• If you have asthma, more Controller medicine may be needed when the pollen count is high.
• Sometimes allergy shots are used for people with seasonal allergies to grass, tree or weed pollen.
• Speak to your doctor to learn more about a pollen allergy.

 

The Children's Asthma Education Centre ©2011, 2014