What is pollen?
Pollen is the tiny powdery granules given off by plants in order to carry out their reproductive process. Specifically, it is the male element in the fertilization of seed plants. While not harmful to those not allergic, it makes pollen-allergic individuals miserable.

When are the pollen seasons in North Carolina?

FALL Allergy Season

Air pollution

Mold Spores

Changeable Weather Conditions

High Pollen Counts                      

The late summer and fall presents the allergy-asthma sufferer with a host of potential symptom-causing factors.  Air pollution, mold spores, or changeable weather conditions sometimes combine with very high pollen counts during late summer and fall. 

Ragweed Pollen

Pollen
The male element for the fertilization of seed plants is pollen.   The method by which pollination is accomplished profoundly affects the allergy sufferer.  Seed plants can be broadly categorized under two methods of pollination, namely insect-pollinated plants and wind-pollinated plants. 

Insect-Pollination
Plants primarily pollinated by insects are usually the most attractive and the most noticeable, but these plants cause the least misery.  Plants relying on insects for pollination need to produce relatively small amounts of pollen and little of it is airborne under most weather conditions.  Insect-pollinated plants are not a major source of airborne pollen and are not responsible for the majority of allergy/asthma symptoms.

Wind-Pollination
Wind-pollinated plants typically are the least attractive plants, produce light-weight pollen that is carried easily by the wind, and cause the most misery for allergy and asthma sufferers.  Since these plants depend on wind and gravity to carry out the reproductive process, pollen is produced in large amounts so that sufficient pollen is airborne to carry out the life-cycle process. 

Sensitization
Airborne pollen is inhaled as we breathe and for most people this is not a problem. However, people who are genetically predisposed to developing allergies are at increased risk with each exposure of becoming sensitized to pollen.  The number of exposures required to develop an allergy to a particular substance varies according to the individual, the potency of the allergen, and the amount of exposure.

RAGWEED

Ragweed Pollen is . . .

      abundant
              
              potent

  airborne
       
         lightweight

easily inhaled

Ragweed produces abundant pollen (each plant produces about a billion pollen grains per season) that is potent, lightweight, airborne and easily inhaled.  The official date for the beginning of ragweed season in the U.S. is August 15.   Donald Pulver, M.D., with expertise in the study of pollens and molds and Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that "diminishing daylight and increasing night length stimulates the ragweed plant to pollinate.  It's nature's way of letting plants know to reproduce for next year."  Ragweed pollen peaks in September in our area and is in the air during October.  It can extend to November in warm climates. Ragweed season ends with frost.

Ragweed is sometimes confused with goldenrod which has bright yellow flowers.  While ragweed is less conspicuous than goldenrod, or other plants with obvious blooms, it is a potent allergen that affects pollen-allergic individuals in late summer and fall.

There are more than one species, but Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), pictured above, is the most widespread in our area.  Common Ragweed has a lower woody stem with leaves in opposite pairs that looks like an upside down Christmas tree.  The flowers are inconspicuous, small, and yellowish-to-greenish color.  They are set in small heads with male and female flowers in separate heads.

An important cause of hay fever in the United States, it is located on roadsides and in fields, pastures, and vacant lots; it can also be found in cultivated grounds such as yards or parks. Ragweed is related to chrysanthemums and to pyrethrum found in some insecticides.  Persons sensitive to ragweed may react from exposure to related plants and products.

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What types of outdoor activity are especially bad for pollen-allergic individuals?
Cutting the grass is probably one of the worst things you can do. You get seven to eight times the exposure to grass pollen than if you were outdoors when the grass was not being cut. If you are allergic to mold or pollen and must cut grass, wear a painter's mask or one of the high efficiency masks available through allergy product catalogues.

Raking leaves, gardening, or working with a compost pile exposes you to high levels of mold as well as pollen.

What is the "priming effect."
Pollen season is associated with what is known as the "priming effect."  Symptoms caused by pollen may worsen as the season progresses and there has been more exposure to pollen. The longer into the pollen season, the less exposure it takes to trigger symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or "hay fever" that many suffer with during pollen season?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis causes episodic sneezing, nasal itching, and runny nose with clear mucus. Red, itchy, runny eyes are symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.  Individuals who suffer with seasonal allergic rhinitis typically have both nasal and eye symptoms.

Nasal congestion, itchy throat, itchy palate, eye swelling, post-nasal drip, sinus pressure or headache, ear pressure, and fatigue are all associated symptoms.

How are eye symptoms treated?
Avoid rubbing the eyes as symptoms may only appear when the allergen is brought in direct contact with the eyes. Apply cool compresses to the eyelids or use artificial tears to reduce symptoms and help wash away allergens and inflammatory mediators.

Oral antihistamines help itching of the eyes. However, if they cause drying, antihistamines may increase irritation. There are a number of topical medications (mostly prescription) that treat allergic conjunctivitis.

What weather conditions affect the amount of airborne pollen?
Dry windy days raise the pollen counts. Rain reduces pollen counts but only temporarily.  When dry windy days follow rain, mold spores are in the air with pollen and both are inhaled. Pollen counts around the country can be obtained from www.aaaai.org/nab on the internet.

What is "oral allergy syndrome" and how is it associated with pollen?
"Oral allergy syndrome" is a form of contact urticaria (hives).  Fresh fruits and vegetables cause itching of lips, tongue, palate, and throat.  Rinsing the mouth out with water may help eliminate the topical contact with the food. 

The syndrome is associated with pollen allergy. For example, potato, carrot, celery, apple, and hazelnut are associated with birch pollen.  Melons and banana are associated with ragweed pollen.

This syndrome resolves rapidly and is not to be confused with serious systemic food reactions that include tight throat and swelling of the lips and tongue called angioedema which may require epinephrine immediately.  Note that danger signs include airway obstruction, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and tight throat.

Which kind of over-the-counter nasal spray is addictive?
An over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nasal spray can be addictive if used more than a few days in a row.  The medical name is rhinitis medicamentosa and is due to rebound effects that occur with chronic use.   These sprays can be used occasionally, for a few days, to give relief of nasal stuffiness. 

A decongestant nasal spray opens nasal passages by reducing swelling and, in the beginning, gives quick relief.  However, an OTC decongestant nasal spray has to be used more frequently as the blood vessels in the nose gradually respond less to the medication.  Chronic use worsens the very symptoms one is trying to clear. 

Saline nasal sprays and OTC Nasalcrom™ do not cause rebound effects.  Prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays also work differently and are sometimes used to treat patients who are having rebound effects from chronic use of an OTC decongestant nasal spray. 

Shampoo, as well as shower, following outdoor activities during pollen season.  Hair and beards collect pollen as it is blown by the wind; it is especially important to shampoo before going to bed.

Keep bedroom free of clothing, shoes, or pets that have been exposed to pollen.

Keep house and car windows closed even when the allergic person is not present.  Pollen builds up inside the house and car and can cause reactions after the windows are closed.

Do not engage in activities that stir up pollen such as raking or mowing, particularly if you have asthma.  Wear a face mask and glasses or goggles if you must do yard work.  High-efficiency masks are available through mail-order from an allergy supply source.

Ceiling fans are dust collectors (including pollen) and may increase symptoms, particularly if run in the bedroom.  In addition, do not use fans that draw air and pollen into the house.

Run auto air/heat system on a recirculate setting rather than on one that brings in outside air.  Keep the car as dust free as possible by regular vacuuming. 

Antihistamine does a better job of taking the punch out of histamine if taken on a regular basis or BEFORE exposure.

Be alert to weather conditions that affect pollen counts when planning outdoor activities.  Dry windy days raise pollen counts while rain lowers pollen counts but only temporarily.

Do not hang bedding outdoors to dry as pollen can collect on fabric.

Be more diligent about avoiding other allergens (food, mold, pets, etc.) during pollen season to reduce the cumulative effect or "allergic load."

Contacting us

Please CALL our office (828-322-1275 or 1-800-432-5015) if you or your child is a patient at Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, and 
1.  you have a question about your medical care.
2.  you are reporting or asking about symptoms. 
3.  you have a question about your medicines or need a refill. 
4.  you have a question about your account.
5.  you wish to schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment.

For problems or questions regarding this web site contact [Email].

If you have a general allergy or asthma related question, address that to haac@wheezy.com.  We answer e-mailed questions periodically, but not necessarily daily.  

Date last updated:  July 14, 2008
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