Asthma and Pollen

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.

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 counts 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 reaction 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 car windows 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.

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.

The Children's Asthma Education Centre ©2011