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How To Survive Seasonal Allergies And Ensure Continued Asthma
By David Kane, Thu Dec 8th
Copyright 2005 David Kane Spring is in the air and so are the allergens. Over the next fewmonths grasses, trees and weeds will release huge quantities ofpollen into the air as part of their reproductive cycle. Forthose suffering from allergic or seasonal allergies it isa time when symptoms worsen, eyes water and noses run. The most common advice given to those allergic to pollen is toremain indoors when pollen release occurs. However this happensat different times for different plants. On warm and sunny daysmost grasses release pollen from early morning onwards. On dampmornings the release will be delayed until the ground moistureevaporates. Some species of grass release their pollen in theafternoon, so if you are allergic to several types you may notget a window of avoidance at any time of day.
Even with an allergy to only one type of pollen, it can affectyou despite your efforts to avoid the time and area where pollenrelease occurs. As the day draws to a close coolingpollen-carrying air falls towards the ground. This can lead tosufferers experiencing problems during the night. Wind-blownpollen can travel great distances. Ragweed can spread so farthat it has even been detected 400 miles out to sea. If you can identify the pollen that triggers your symptoms youcan try to plan your day accordingly. You can get a clue fromthe time of year that you experience problems. Tree pollen isusually released in the spring, grass pollen in late spring andearly summer, and weed pollens in late summer into autumn. Adoctor can organise tests to further narrow down the culprit.Having identified the offending pollen try to remain indoorswhen it is being released. Try to keep track of the pollen count in your area. Remember thepollen count is usually taken the day before it is broadcast.Rain or cool weather can reduce the count. Hot weather or shortthunderstorms can increase it. Plants tend to retain theirpollen on cloudy days, so expect a higher than average releaseon the next sunny day. The
National Allergy Bureau pollen report gives information onconditions in the US and Canada atwww.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=pollen Polleninfo gives pollen forecasts for across Europe atwww.polleninfo.org You can use over the counter (OTC) medication to relievesymptoms if it does not interfere with other medications.Consult your doctor to make sure there will be no adverseaffects. Although pollen is probably the most difficult allergen to avoidthere are steps you can take to minimize your exposure. 1. If possible only work outside at times when the pollen countis low. The mornings of cooler, less sunny days are best. 2. Introduce more insect-pollinated plants (usually the moreattractive, colorful ones) into your garden, as their heavierpollen is less likely to become airborne. If you can identifythe plant that affects you, exclude that plant from your garden.If grass pollen affects you but do not want to lose your lawn,get someone else to keep the grass short. 3. Keep windows shut tight at times of pollen release, duringhigh pollen counts, and in the early hours of the night whenairborne pollen returns to ground level. 4. Dry all washing indoors to prevent pollen gathering onclothes and bedding. Ideally dry clothes in a tumble-dryer. 5. If you spend a prolonged period outside when the pollen countis high, you should ideally take a shower and wash your hairwhen you get in, especially if it is thick or long. At least tryto rinse your hair to get rid of any pollen. 6. Keep a set of clothes that you only wear indoors. Clothesworn outside could be full of pollen. Avoid taking your outdoorclothes into the bedroom. Perhaps the most effective solution is to leave the area. Ifcircumstances permit, move nearer the equator for a while. Theplants that affect you will have finished pollinating.Alternatively move to a high mountainous area or a windyseacoast. About the author:David Kane is the author of ‘101 Top Tips for Relief’. Hehas produced a number of resources to help sufferersmonitor and control their condition. Find these at his web sitehttp://www.asthma-relieftips.com
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