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 carreid by the wind.  

 Pollens are released at different times of the year:

 · Pollen counts tend to be higher on warm, dry, windy days.

 · Pollen counts tend to be higher in the morning.

 · Pollen counts tend to be lower during cold, wet periods.

 · You can find out pollen coutns in your area 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 an allergic reactin or hayfever causing sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nose or throat, runny nose 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 home and care windows closed when pollen coutns 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.

Treating a Pollen Allergy

 · 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 to grass, tree or weed pollen.

  · Speak to your doctor to learn more about a pollen allergy.