Sheera LaBelle, R.N.
University Health Services
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, often referred to as “hay fever,” affects more than 3.5 million people in the United States. Substances called allergens cause these seasonal allergies. Airborne pollens and mold spores are outdoor allergens that commonly trigger symptoms during the spring and fall. During these times, depending on where they live in the country and the exact allergen to which they are allergic, seasonal allergic rhinitis sufferers experience:
o Sneezing
o Congestion
o Runny nose
o Itchiness in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes, and ears
What is Pollen?
Pollens are tiny, egg-shaped male cells of flowering plants. Many trees, grasses, and low-growing weeds have small, light, dry pollens tht are well suited for dissemination by wind currents. These are the pollens which trigger allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergic rhinitis in the spring is often triggered by the pollens of such trees as oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress and walnut. In the late spring and early summer, pollinating grasses, including timothy, bermuda, orchard, sweet vernal, red top and some blue grasses often trigger symptoms. In addition to ragweed, the pollen most responsible for late summer and fall hay fever in North America, other weeds can trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms, including sagebrush, pigweed, tumbleweed, Russian thistle and cockleweed.
Pollen time
Depending on where you live in the United States, pollen season can begin as early as January (in southern states). Generally, the pollen season lasts from February or March through October. Trees pollinate earliest (February-May), followed by grasses (May-July), then ending with weeds in the late summer.
What can you do?
Appropriate treatment is the best method for coping with allergies. If they are making you really miserable, see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe an allergy nose spray, non-sedating antihistamine, decongestant or other medications. You may require referral to an allergist for immunotherapy treatment (injections).
Do’s and Don’ts for Hay Fever Sufferers
o DO keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds spores from drifting in. If needed, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries the air.
o DO minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted (5-10 a.m.).
o DO keep your car windows closed when travelling.
o DO 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.
o DO take medications prescribed by your health care provider regularly, in the recommended dosage.
o DON’T take more medication than recommended in an attempt to lessen your symptoms.
o DON’T mow lawns or be around freshly cut grass since mowing stirs up pollens and mold spores.
o DON’T rake leaves, as this also stirs up mold spores.
o DON’T hang sheets or clothing out to dry. Pollens and molds may collect in them.
o DON’T grow too many, or over-water, indoor plants if you are allergic to mold. Wet soil encourages mold growth.
The National Allergy Bureau (NAB) is the nation’s only pollen and mold counting network certified by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). The NAB compiles pollen and mold counts from certified stations across the nation. These counts are available on the NAB page of the AAAAI’s Web site, www.aaaai.org/nab/ and through toll-free service at 1-800-9-POLLEN.