Spring is finally here. The only way Chicagoans can really tell
is by the endless days of rain sprinkled with a warm sunny day here
and there. Although it's nice to finally be able to sport a lighter
coat and throw the bulky one back in the closet, what's not so nice
are the itchy eyes, stuffy noses and fits of sneezing.
Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal
allergies or hay fever according to the Academy of Allergy, Asthma
& Immunology. When pollen comes in contact with those
suffering, the immune system releases chemicals called histamines
to battle the allergens. It's these histamines that are responsible
for the hay fever symptoms of sneezing, headache, runny nose and
watery eyes.
Geography and weather are the secondary culprits of seasonal
allergies. In the south, allergy season can begin in January since
growing starts earlier in the year. Dry and windy conditions
disperse pollen and mold, creating the worst weather for
allergies. Rainy and humid conditions dampen pollen and make it
less airborne creating the best weather for allergies. So we may be
sick and tired of the rain and suffering from allergies, but at
least we don't have it as bad as the people suffering in dryer
climates.
Plants to Avoid
In the spring, you need to worry about the trees. They are the
primary source of airborne pollen. In the summer, grasses take
over. In late summer and fall, weed pollen rules the day. The worst
offenders are the plants that rely on wind instead of insects to
carry the pollen -- they tend to produce the most pollen.
Safe Plants (for most people)
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology, typically any plant with big, vibrant flowers are safe
because you would have to come in close contact for their
allergy-causing agents to affect you. Therefore, dogwoods, redbuds
and magnolias are usually safe as well as cacti, rose, lilac, pear,
plum, daffodil, hibiscus, sunflowers and tulips.
Reducing Exposure to Pollen
- Check the pollen forecast on www.weather.com or via your local news before
heading outside.
- Stay inside during the peak pollen hours of 5am-10am.
- Keep doors and windows shut and utilize your air conditioning
instead. Window and air conditioning units typically have filters
that reduce pollen exposure.
- Consider exercising indoors or do so after it rains when pollen
counts are low.
- Drive with your car windows up instead of down.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses outside to minimize pollen contact
with your eyes.
- After you've been outdoors, wash your hands to reduce the
transfer of pollen from hands to face and consider changing clothes
or showering to fully remove all pollen.
- Keep outdoor pets out of the bedroom and off of the
furniture.
- Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry.
If all else fails, there's always a myriad of over the counter
allergy medications that will console your symptoms. You can also
consult with your physician for a skin or blood test to determine
your allergy triggers which will help determine the medication that
will work best for you. Above all, enjoy the slightly warmer
weather and know that summer is just a shout away!
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living