According To Howstuffworks The Pollen Count In Any Given Area Is Heavily Determined By Factors Like Humidity Temperature And Wind
This is why most areas have pollen alerts and measuring systems so you can log in and check how bad the pollen count is for that specific day.
In terms of the time of day, that, again, will depend on what you’re allergic to. According to AllergyCosmos, grass pollen is released into the air in the early morning, while birch trees release pollen in the early evening. To make it even more complicated, pollen will start to spread through the air when the temperature cools, which is why you might start sneezing at night if your window is open. Again, though, it all depends on what, exactly, you’re allergic to.
Similarly, if you have a serious mold or dust allergy, then the severity of your allergic reaction will be extremely dependent upon how much of these things are floating around in the air your breathe, particularly at home. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, these simple things can help you combat a dust or mold allergy in your apartment: wash your sheets often, avoid carpeting if possible, and minimize the humidity in your home as much as you can, with the help of things like a dehumidifier.
When Is Hay Fever Season In The Uk
Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May. Grass lasts from mid-May until July, and weed pollen covers the end of June to September.
Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May, and affects around 25% of people. Most people are allergic to grass pollen and the season lasts from mid-May until July. Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September.
However, dependent upon where you live in the UK, the hay fever season will start at different times. For example, theres a later start and shorter season in the north of the UK, where generally there is less pollen. Urban areas have lower counts than the countryside, and places inland have higher counts than around the coast.
If we look at grass pollen, the peak across England and Wales, for example, usually starts in the first two weeks of June. There are two peaks though, with the second, lower peak occurring in the first two weeks of July, after which things tail off slowly.
These peaks may be masked by how wet, dry, warm or cold it is, and the timing of the peaks very much depends on the weather during spring and early summer.
Spring rainfall is also key, as a dry season reduces the amount of pollen production. Regardless of the weather, pollen is also dependent on how hardy different species are and how well they cope with a mixture of different types in one region.
What Can I Do If My Allergy Meds Aren’t Workingor My Allergies Are Getting Worse
If you’re already taking OTC allergy meds , allergy shots, a.k.a. allergen immunotherapy, make your immune system less reactive to allergens , and for some people, they can even induce a cure, says Dr. Parikh.
By giving small increasing doses of what you are allergic to, you train the immune system to slowly stop being as allergic, she says. This is the best way to address allergies, as it targets the underlying problem and builds your immunity to a specific allergen.
The downside? Allergy shots are a bit of a time commitment. You’ll need to get them once a week for six to eight months, then once a month for a minimum of two years, says Dr. Parikh. You need to be a little bit patient, too, because it can take about six months to start feeling better . But a life without allergies? Sounds worth it to me.
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Pollen Is Highest In The Morning
During the morning hours, pollen counts rise. When they are at their peak will often depend on the day’s weather conditions. On dry, warm days, pollen counts tend to be higher and peak sooner, usually by mid to late morning. On cooler, damp days, grasses and other greenery need to dry out before pollen can be released, so peak counts may not occur until around midday. Days with high winds can keep pollen counts at substantial levels for longer periods.
Lying Down Worsens Congestion
Gravity is not your friend when it comes to your bedtime allergies. When you lie down, basically everything in your nose starts dripping down your throat, Dr. Parikh explains. Due to the anatomy of the nose and throat, that can lead to more or worse coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing than when youre standing upright, she says.
Propping yourself up with some extra pillows might help ease congestion and post-nasal drip while you sleep.
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Grass pollen is the most common allergen , but tree and weed pollens can also cause the allergic reaction we know as hay fever, notes Allergy UK.
When are pollen levels the highest?
According to Allergy UK, pollen levels tend to be highest first thing in the morning and at the end of the day. If you do go outside, its best to do so during the middle of the day, and then to stay inside in the evening.
Pollen levels are at their highest at the beginning of the day, when they rise with the warming air, and at the end of the day when its cooling down, said Allergy UK.
Counts will increase in dry warm weather, especially if its windy. So avoid going outside and especially avoid strenuous activity at these times.
How can I relieve my hayfever symptoms if I have to go outside?
Allergy UK explains that hayfever symptoms can be relieved by the use of antihistamines, as well as avoidance of allergic triggers. Other tips you can follow include:
Monitoring pollen forecasts daily and staying indoors wherever possible when the count is high . Rain washes pollen from the air so counts should be lower on cooler, wet days
On high pollen days, shower and wash your hair after arriving home and change your clothing
Avoid drying washing on a clothes line outside when pollen counts are high
Apply an effective allergen barrier balm around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollens and other allergens and help prevent a reaction
What Causes Nighttime Allergies
You may spend the day with few or no allergy symptoms, only to experience sniffles and itchy eyes when you go to bed. Many triggers of morning allergies can cause bedtime allergies, as well.
For example, if your bedroom has more dust mites than elsewhere in your home, they may trigger symptoms as soon as you get into bed. If you donât spend as much time with your pet during the day, your furry friend may not cause your allergies to act up until they have settled into bed with you at night.
Unfortunately, cockroaches may be another possible cause of nighttime allergies, especially in urban homes. Like dust mites, they can shed saliva, feces, and even body parts that trigger allergy symptoms. They can even cause sinus or ear infections. According to ACAAI, the National Pest Management Association says that 63 percent of all U.S. homes contain cockroach allergens, but this number may be 78 percent to 98 percent in urban areas. Cockroaches may enter the home through windows and cracks in the walls or doors.
While pollen counts tend to be higher in the morning, it can also cause nighttime allergies. Warm temperatures push pollen into the air, but cooler evening air means that pollen falls back down to cover outdoor surfaces at night. If you collect pollen in your hair or clothes over the course of the day, it can cause bedtime allergy symptoms once youâre in for the night.
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Diagnosis And Treatment Of Tree Pollen Allergies
Trees often release pollen before other plants do. If you experience allergy symptoms early in the spring, you might have a tree pollen allergy. The symptoms of tree pollen allergies include:
- Sneezing runny or stuffy nose
- Red, watery, and puffy eyes
- Itchy nose, ears, eyes, and mouth
To get a definitive diagnosis of tree pollen allergies, youll need to see a doctor. They can make a diagnosis through allergy testing.
Potential tests that doctors can use to determine your allergies include:
- Skin prick test: For this test, ahealthcare provider places a small amount of tree pollen on your skin, then pricks or scratches the skin through the pollen. If redness, itching, or swelling develops at the site within 20 minutes, youre likely allergic to tree pollen. The severity of your reaction indicates the severity of your allergy.
- Specific IgE blood test, Radioallergosorbetnt or ImmunoCap:For this test, you’ll need to give a blood sample. In the lab, a small amount of tree pollen is added to your blood, then a lab technician measures the number of allergy antibodies your blood produces to fight the allergen.
When Does Allergy Season Start
There is no official beginning to allergy season. It really depends on what triggers your allergy symptoms.
Many people find spring allergies particularly problematic. In many parts of the United States, this is when trees bloom again and release pollen into the air. If you are a person who is allergic to grasses or hay, summer may be when you struggle. And for others, fall sees the emergence of ragweed pollen which may trigger allergy symptoms.
If molds, dust mites and other indoor allergens are your allergy trigger, then you may see the peak of your seasonal allergies all year long. The key is to understand when your symptoms normally begin. This will help determine what may trigger your allergic reactions.
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Your Pet Sleeps In Your Bed
Another common allergen making things worse in your bedroom? Pet dander that accumulates on your carpet or comforter. Sure, furry friends make for cozy snuggle buddies, but if youre allergic to your pet, sleeping beside each other isnt doing you any favors.
Its always an unpopular suggestion, she says, but Dr. Parikh tells patients to stop allowing their pets in their bed. Keeping the animals out of the bedroom is best. Nobody listens to me, but it helps!
Managing Tree Pollen Allergies And Reducing Exposure
If you know you are allergic to tree pollen, start taking allergy medication in the weeks leading up to the time your allergies usually start. Getting ahead of your reaction will help you manage your hay fever symptoms.
During the spring, you can also take steps to limit your exposure to pollen. For example:
- Keep your home’s windows closed and use an air filter.
- Limit your time outside and stay away from pets that are frequently outside.
- Shower daily before bed to remove any pollen from your hair and skin.
- Wash your bedding weekly in hot water and dry clothes inside rather than on an outdoor clothesline.
- Check the pollen count. Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning and again at night. Avoid spending long periods of time outdoors when the pollen count is high.
Although there are many over-the-counter allergy medications available, it’s still a good idea to talk to your doctor about your allergy symptoms. They can let you know which treatment will be the most helpful.
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Scientists Map The Worst Times Of Day For People Allergic To Grass Pollen
- Date:
- Aarhus University
- Summary:
- The grass pollen season is not just one seven to nine week period of agony for people allergic to grass pollen. The concentration of pollen in the air varies not only with the weather. According to a new study, the flowering season can be divided into three different periods with different daily patterns. Based on this, the researchers provide new advices to allergy sufferers.
Atishoo! Help, there are flowering grasses around, please stay indoors — while your friends enjoy the nice summer weather! Traditionally, people allergic to grass pollen are advised to be aware of high pollen concentrations during the day, and to reduce their outdoor activities during this period.
A new study led by researchers from Aarhus University shows that it is considerably more complicated to avoid grass pollen. Based on a three-year study with intensive measurements at three different locations in Aarhus, they divide the grass pollen season into three periods, as shown in the graph below: a twin peak profile during the early season, a single evening profile in the middle season and a single midday profile during the late season.
How should people react to these complicated patterns? Dr. Robert Peel, Aarhus University, explains: “People should avoid being outdoors during the peak hours in periods one and two, especially between 16 and 20. Later in the summer, allergy sufferers should avoid being outdoor in the middle of the day.”
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Should I Take Or Give My Child Over
The over-the-counter allergy medications are both safe and effective. Steroid nose sprays, such as Flonase, Rhinocort and Nasocort, may help your nose and eye symptoms even if you dont have allergies. 24-hour antihistamines, such as Claritin, Clarinex, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Xyzal, will also help but typically only if you have allergies. It is safe and considered effective to use a steroid nose spray and 24-hour antihistamine together.
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Easy Ways To Beat Seasonal Allergies When The Pollen Count Spikes
If your seasonal allergies are making you miserable this spring, you’re not alone. More than 50 million Americans experience allergies each year. The good news is there are measures you can take to minimize the impact of seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies are usually caused by three main types of pollen: trees, grass, and weeds. They’re called “seasonal allergies” because each type of pollen has a season where they’re most potent. Here’s a general timeline of common pollen seasons:
- Some outdoor molds also peak in the fall months
When you’re monitoring pollen counts for your specific allergy, here are 10 ways to cope:
Pollen counts tend to rise on dry, warm, and windy days, so if it’s breezy outside, try to stay indoors.
Pollen counts are highest in the morning and again at night, so if you need to go outside, try to do it when counts are low.
When it comes to seasonal allergies, it’s important to know exactly what you’re allergic to so you can take appropriate action.
“I have patients who come in saying they’re allergic to pets, then we perform a skin test and it turns out they’re actually allergic to oak trees or another pollen the pet is bringing inside on their fur,” says Erin Willits, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Intermountain Alta View Hospital.
Climate Change And The Pandemic Are Playing A Huge Role
Year over year, were finding climate change is a major factor in worsening symptoms for spring and fall pollen seasons, said Kenneth Mendez, the CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
The rising temps and increasing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere are making pollen seasons heavier and longer. Allergy season is now 10 days longer than it was in 1990, and trees, grass and weeds are producing 21% more pollen. More pollen means more runny noses, watery eyes and itchy throats.
Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in pollen counts on a yearly basis, and this is due to global warming and an increase in CO2, which we know plays a role in higher pollen counts, said Payel Gupta, an allergist and immunologist and medical director of the at-home allergy clinic Cleared.
The recent warm weather were seeing this year and in the past few years is to blame. Plants bloom in warm weather, then tree, grass and weed pollen pick up and fly into the air around us.
In the past, warm weather didnt appear until April or so, delaying pollen-producing plants from blooming. But its been getting warmer earlier year after year. Some areas in the Northeast saw 70-degree days as early as January this year. On top of that, the first freeze we typically see each fall is happening later in the year. Mendez said this keeps flowering pants like ragweed a major source of allergies alive and well.
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When To Seek Medical Help
If you’re unresponsive to over-the-counter allergy medication or if your allergies cause you to cough or wheeze, you could suffer from more than allergies – which means it’s time to see a doctor. Allergies can turn into asthma or an upper-respiratory illness such as bronchitis or a sinus infection, so it’s important to see an allergist who can assess your symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan, which includes testing you for food allergies, asthma, and other conditions.
How Can I Protect Myself And/or My Child From These Seasonal Allergies
During the pollen and mold season, we recommend jumping in the shower as soon as you get home every night to rinse the pollen off. Put cold, wet washcloths over your eyes and gently squeeze them to rinse the pollen out of your eyes. You may need to keep the air conditioner running through much of the season to keep the pollen out of the house. We never recommend staying indoors all summer, however! We encourage everyone to spend time outside playing as a family.
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