Pollen that leads to allergy tends to be tiny, light, and dry. It is easily spread by wind over long distances. The pollen that gets all over your car or lawn furniture is not so much of an allergy problem as the pollen is too small to be seen. Details in this book

Bright-colored attractive flowers actually release fewer pollen into the air than unattractive flowering plants, grasses, ,or weeds. Instead, they mostly depend on insects to carry pollen from one flower to another. 

Over-the-counter and prescription-based allergy medications, including antihistamines and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays, can help control symptoms.  

If you are are aware that your pollen allergies are worse in early spring, for example, start taking your allergy medications 2 weeks before symptoms are at their worst level. Discuss with your doctor which medication is best for you.  

• Patients with asthma who're allergic to ragweed, mold, or other pollen allergens should be extra cautious as exposure can cause an asthma flare.  
• It is important to keep your asthma well controlled by taking a day to day medications properly as prescribed, avoiding triggers, and following your Asthma Action Plan. 
• It’s also very important to know how to use your inhaler properly so that you maximize the amount of medication that gets delivered to your lungs and airways, our asthma coaches will help you in this condition.

Many doctors and research scientists opine that allergy seasons are intensifying, starting earlier and lasting longer. Climate change is a factor. It’s fueled in part by rising temperatures and mild winters, allowing pollen-producing trees and grass to bloom earlier. The extended growing seasons lead to increased levels of airborne allergens.  

The only proper way to diagnose for sure if you have a pollen allergy is to see a certified allergist for testing. The allergist will apply a tiny amount of diluted allergen to your skin and wait 15 minutes to see if raised, itchy, red skin elevations appear. If it gets quite bigger compared to the control, then you have an allergy to that particular pollen or mold.  

Pollen-food syndrome is an allergic reaction you may have with certain fresh fruits, vegetables or nuts if you have an allergy to birch, ragweed, or grass pollen. Pollen-food syndrome is also called oral allergy syndrome.  

Symptoms of pollen allergies might be:   

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose with thin, watery discharge  
• Postnasal drip, with throat itching  
• Excessive Sneezing
• Coughing
• Watery, itchy, or irritated eyes 
• Eye swelling – also called the “allergic shiner”