Pollen Allergies

Pollen Allergies Overview

Local news reports pollen counts every spring for good reason: tens of millions of Americans have allergy symptoms caused by tree, grass and weed pollen (ACAAI). About one in four U.S. adults has a diagnosed seasonal allergy (CDC).

Pollen is essential: plants need it to reproduce, including many food crops. But for people with pollen allergy, it causes sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes, and can worsen asthma.

Pollen is tiny enough to travel long distances and get into homes, cars and clothing. Pollen allergy is often called hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

What is Pollen?

Pollen is a fine, yellowish powder that plants use to fertilize other plants of the same species. It is carried by wind, birds, insects or other animals (ACAAI). Light, wind-carried pollen from trees, grasses and weeds causes most allergies.

That is the reason pollen is found everywhere. Pollen tends to spread far and wide to reach the female ovule for fertilization. This process is extremely beneficial for farmers, however not so much for those who suffer from pollen allergies.

The Cause of Pollen Allergies:

With pollen allergy, symptoms start after you breathe in pollen. Wind-carried pollen is small and light, so it travels easily through the air and into the nose, eyes and airways.

An allergic reaction happens when the immune system mistakes pollen for something harmful. It makes antibodies against the pollen, and on later exposures, immune cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Ragweed is one of the most common causes of fall pollen allergy in the U.S., releasing pollen from late summer until the first frost (ACAAI).

How to Identify Pollen Allergies?

Symptoms depend on how much pollen you’re exposed to and how sensitive you are.

The most common allergy symptoms are:

● Sneezing

● Watery eyes

● Nasal congestion or runny nose

● Itchy throat and eyes

● Postnasal drip

● Wheezing

● Coughing

Pollen can also make asthma symptoms worse (ACAAI).

Symptoms differ from person to person. Many people are allergic only to certain kinds of pollen, so they have symptoms only when those plants are releasing pollen.

An allergist can test you to pinpoint which pollens trigger your symptoms. Knowing your season helps: start medicines before symptoms usually begin. For example, if your symptoms peak in mid-April, start your medicine at the end of March (ACAAI).

For severe pollen allergies, immunotherapy can help your body build tolerance. Options are allergy shots and prescription tablets for grass and ragweed allergy that dissolve under the tongue; the tablets must be started 12 weeks before symptoms are expected (ACAAI).

Hay Fever in Spring vs. Summer vs. Fall: 

In case one is suffering through hay fever in the spring, it is possible that they could be allergic to the following plant pollen:

● Birch

● Alder

● Oak

● Cedar

● Willow

● Hazelnut

● Hornbeam

● Olive

However, if the allergies rise in the summer, they may be caused to the following plants:

● Ryegrass

● Timothy grass

And similarly, if one has hay fever in the fall time, it may be due to the following weeds:

● Nettle

● Sorrel

● Mugwort

● Ragweed

Hay fever isn’t only a spring problem. Trees usually pollinate in spring, grasses in late spring and summer, and weeds in late summer and fall, with timing that varies by region (ACAAI).

How does the Area Impact the Severity of Pollen Allergies? 

Pollen counts tend to be higher on warm, dry, windy days, and rain can temporarily clear pollen from the air. Different regions have different plants, so you may notice new symptoms when you travel or move. A high overall pollen count doesn’t always mean high levels of the pollen you’re allergic to, and a low count doesn’t guarantee relief (ACAAI).

Grass and Ragweed Pollen Allergy Treatment

Most people start with the same medicines used for any pollen allergy: nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines and saline rinses. See treatment options. If those aren’t enough, an allergist may suggest immunotherapy.

Grass pollen

FDA-approved under-the-tongue (sublingual) tablets exist for northern pasture grasses like timothy. For grass allergy you typically take the tablet before and during the season, and treatment may be continued for three years or longer (ACAAI). Allergy shots are another option.

Ragweed pollen

Ragweed blooms from August into November in most regions and usually peaks in mid-September (ACAAI). Starting medicine before the season helps. FDA-approved sublingual tablets are also available for ragweed, taken before and during the season (ACAAI).

Conclusion

Pollen allergy is very common, and it can be well controlled. Track pollen forecasts, limit exposure on high-pollen days, start medicine before your season, and see an allergist if symptoms aren’t controlled. Learn more about treatment options.

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Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (April 24, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Pollen Allergy FAQs

When should I start allergy medicine?

Before your pollen season starts. If symptoms peak in mid-April, start at the end of March (ACAAI).

Does a high pollen count mean I’ll have symptoms?

Not always. It depends on which pollens are high and which ones you’re allergic to (ACAAI).

Are there allergy tablets for pollen?

Yes. Prescription tablets are available for grass and ragweed allergy; start them 12 weeks before your season (ACAAI).

Can pollen worsen asthma?

Yes. Pollen can increase coughing and wheezing in people with asthma (ACAAI).

Sources

Looking for more allergy types? Find a full list of other allergy causes here.