ABC News — No matter what the season, pollen is in the air, ready to set off allergy attacks.
“Pollens will vary from region to region, but they follow a sequential pattern everywhere,” said Dr. Harold Nelson, an allergist at National Jewish Health in Denver. “It’s tree pollen mostly in the spring before the leaves come out. In late spring it’s grass pollen, and starting usually in late July or August it’s weed pollen. And the most important one is ragweed.”
“There’s a global expansion of pollen. There’s more of it and it’s more powerful,” said Dr. Clifford Bassett, a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Medical Center.
Allergy experts say of the summer allergens, pollen is the most common and affects the most people. While it’s not possible to avoid pollen entirely, Bassett offered a number of tips for minimizing its effects.
“Avoid bringing in those pesky pollens and mold spores into your home via an air sucking fan, especially during the allergy season if you are a sufferer,” he said.
He also recommends exercising indoors on days when pollen count is high, which is often on dry, warm and windy days. Levels are also typically highest in the mid-day and afternoon.
And not only is accessorizing fashionable, it can also help minimize exposure to pollen. Bassett recommends wearing oversized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to prevent pollen from getting on the face and into eyes.
People should also wash their hair at night to eliminate pollen and change clothing before getting into bed. Additionally, keep windows closed while driving and keep air conditioners running on the ‘re-circulate’ setting, Bassett added. — by Kim Carollo, ABC News
