Allergies to Pollen

Facts About Allergies
Where does pollen come from?
What is 'environmental control'?
What are some steps to control pollen allergies?
Other Helpful Suggestions

Facts About Allergies

The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. If you have allergic tendencies and are exposed to certain things in your environment (allergens), you may develop allergies to some of those things. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, eczema and rash. The timing of the allergic response may be immediate or delayed. Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify your allergies.

Where does pollen come from?

Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds can be inhaled, and cause allergy and asthma symptoms. Pollen may travel many miles in the wind. Therefore, trees, grasses and weeds in your general area can cause allergy and asthma symptoms.

Pollen allergies are often seasonal. Allergy and asthma symptoms occur when the amount of pollen in the air is high. Pollens from trees tend to be highest in the spring. Pollens from grasses tend to be highest in the summer. Pollens from weeds tend to be highest in the fall. This may vary depending on weather conditions and where you live.

Find out more about peak pollen times, and peak pollen seasons.

What is 'environmental control'?

Once an allergy has been identified, the next step is to decrease or eliminate exposure to the allergen. This is called environmental control. Evidence shows that allergy and asthma symptoms may improve over time, if the recommended environmental control changes are made. Many of the changes are for the entire home. The bedroom is the most important, because the bedroom is where people usually spend 1/3 to 1/2 of their time.

What are some steps to control pollen allergies?

• If possible, keep windows and outside doors shut during pollen season, especially during the daytime. If you have central or room air conditioning, use it to allow you to keep windows and outside doors shut.
• Pollen exposure is highest during the midday and afternoon. Consider this when planning outdoor activities.

Other Helpful Suggestions

• Take a shower, wash hair and change clothing after working or playing outdoors.

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional medications, therapies or other environmental controls. Exposure to pollen can make allergy, asthma and/or eczema symptoms worse in some people. To avoid these problems follow the above steps to decrease or eliminate exposure.

Steps you can take to reduce your exposure to pollen.

Recommendations from Dan Atkins, MD on how to keep pollen from making your eyes itchy, irritated, and red.

This information has been approved by David Tinkelman, M.D. (February 2006).