Top pollen contributor are ragweed, grasses
(pollen count scale is based on 0-12 range)
Information about seasonal allergies
During the spring, summer and fall seasons, as plants pollinate, they release small pollen particles which can trigger allergic responses for many people. These pollen particles are distributed by the wind. Sometimes you will see an accumulation of these pollen particles in a light coating of greenish or yellow pollen dust on cars, windows and other outside surfaces. Also called “hay fever” or “seasonal allergic rhinitis”, these seasonal allergy symptoms are generally short lived and inconvenient. The allergic response may involve a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, or generalized itching. There can also be sneezing, itchy eyes, nose, ears or mouth, swelling around the eyes or nasal congestion (stuffy nose). For some susceptible people this can trigger their asthma symptoms, generating a more serious health condition.
If any of these seasonal allergies symptoms are allowed to go on for too long they can lead to secondary bacterial infections including conjuntivitis (pink eye), sinus infections and ear infections.
These allergy symptoms can also make their sufferer very tired and although they do not cause a fever the allergy sufferer can feel very sick. This contributes to days lost from school and loss of productivity as well as a decline in quality of life.
As average worldwide temperatures have warmed, AAFA notes that the average pollen season has gone from 11 days to 27 days between 1995 - 2011. This has implications for allergy sufferers who are attempting to manage their allergy symptoms.
Fortunately there are many simple interventions an allergy sufferer can put into place:
Be aware of the pollen count for your area. I monitor the www.Pollen.com who provides area specific pollen counts as well as what plants are the major contributors to that pollen count for that day. I will post that count of the top of this website or feel free to subscribe to that or any other website providing this information.
Keep seasonal pollen outside, don’t bring it inside
Leave your shoes at the door when you come into your home
Wash your hands and face as soon as you come inside
You may want to change your clothes or even shower after being outside
When available use your air conditioning, keeping windows closed to limit the pollen that is brought inside
Use a clothes dryer, instead of hanging clothes outside to dry
Be careful when petting pets who have been outside
When outside wear a hat and sunglasses to help keep pollen off your face
A face mask may help to keep pollen from getting on your face
Visit with your health care provider and talk about proper diagnosis and management of allergies
Talk with your health care provider about available medications, both over the counter and prescriptions which can help manage allergy symptoms. Know that there are many options for medication management of allergies - daily oral medications, eye drops, nasal sprays, allergy shots as well as some sublingual immunotherapy for specific pollen allergies. More therapies are being developed so continue to speak with your health care provider.