August 2009

Help for Seasonal Allergies

Pollen grains float through the air spring, summer, and winter. But no matter the season, if you’re allergic to pollen, your days and nights can be filled with sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and an itchy throat. Pollen allergy, or hay fever, affects about 1 in 10 Americans according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Pollen grains are the egg-shaped male cells of flowering trees, grasses, shrubs, weeds, and flowers. Pollen from large flowers does not usually cause allergy problems because their larger – and heavier – pollen grains drop quickly to the ground. The wind can carry the rest of the tiny pollen grains hundreds of miles. Eventually, all pollen floats to the ground, and onto your car, clothes, and skin. If you are troubled by seasonal allergies, here are some ways to find relief:

• Pollen is usually emitted from 5-10 a.m. Stay inside during that time. And stay inside when it’s windy and when the pollen count or humidity is high.
  
  
• Because you get pollen on your hands by touching anything outdoors, avoid rubbing your eyes. And wash your hands frequently.
  
  
• Wear sunglasses to reduce the amount of pollen that gets in your eyes.
  
  
• Change your clothes when you come in from outdoors. You could also shower to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
  
  
• Close the windows and use the air conditioner. This can reduce pollen floating in the air both in the house and in the car.
  
  
• Get someone else to mow the lawn or rake leaves. And don’t hang your laundry out to dry. It’ll collect pollen.
  
  
• Antihistamines can help. If sinus swelling is involved, a combined antihistamine and decongestant might be best.

Consider taking a vacation to an area that is less pollen-infested (such as the beach) during your peak allergy season. But moving permanently to a new location to escape your allergies isn’t always the best answer. Many people who move develop new allergies within a year or two. If your seasonal allergies are making you miserable, check with your doctor or an allergist/immunologist.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 2009.

© 2009 Wellsource, Inc., Clackamas, Oregon.
All rights reserved.

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