aafa.org says...

Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as "hay fever". Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as "seasonal allergic rhinitis".

Each spring, summer and autumn, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollens that cause allergic reactions come from trees, weeds and grasses. These plants make small, light and dry pollen grains that travel with the wind. Grasses are the most common cause of allergy.

Plants fertilized by insects, like roses and some flowering trees, like cherry and pear trees, usually don't cause allergic rhinitis.

aafa.org says...

People with pollen allergies only have symptoms when the pollens they are allergic to are in the air. Symptoms include:

• Runny nose and mucus production


• Sneezing


• Itchy nose, eyes, ears and mouth


• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)


• Red and watery eyes


• Swelling around the eyes

aafa.org says ...

There are actions you can take to reduce allergic reactions to pollen:

• Limit your outdoor activities when pollen counts are high. This will lessen the amount of pollen allergen you inhale and reduce your symptoms.


• Keep windows closed during pollen season and use your heat pump or cooler with an asthma & allergy friendly filter.


• Start taking allergy medicine before the pollen season begins. Most allergy medicines work best when taken this way. This allows the medicine to prevent your body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause your symptoms.


• Bathe and shampoo your hair daily before going to bed. This will remove pollen from your hair and skin and keep it off your bedding.


• Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.


• Wear sunglasses and a hat. This will help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your hair.


• Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors.


• Change and wash clothes worn during outdoor activities.


• Dry your clothes in a clothes dryer, not on an outdoor line.