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Common Forms of Pollen

Pollens are microscopic grains released by trees, grasses and weeds during the growing season. Pollens circulate by the wind and you inhale them through your nose and mouth, triggering a hyper-immune response in sensitive individuals called an allergy, hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Plants that produce airborne pollens are most likely to cause immune system reactions, so you must know the common forms of pollen to reduce your exposure in the future.

  1. Weed Pollens

    • Weeds produce the most allergenic pollens in North America, resulting in millions of doctor visits every year. Ragweed is an invasive plant that grows from late summer to early autumn in most of the United States. Ragweed is one of the most common triggers for pollen allergies and can aggravate existing health conditions, such as asthma, pinkeye, dermatitis, pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. Allergy symptoms typically begin after exposure to pollen-producing weeds and can include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and sinus pressure.

    Tree Pollens

    • Trees begin allergy season by producing the earliest pollens of spring. Due to their size, trees can produce large amounts of pollen that the wind blows for miles. Oak, elm, hickory, pine, cedar and walnut trees commonly produce airborne pollens that cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Reactions include nasal congestion, sneezing and a watery nasal discharge. Tree pollen season lasts from early spring to late summer, because this is the common growing season for trees in most parts of the United States. Southern states have a warm climate year round, resulting in a longer allergy season as well.

    Grass Pollens

    • Like other plant pollens, grass pollens are also seasonal. Grass pollens are also affected by the amount of rain and changes in temperature during the growing season. Common species of grass that cause allergic reactions are Timothy grass, Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass and orchard grass. Because different species release pollen at different times of the year, the pollen season for grass lasts from early springtime to late summer. Grass pollens can cause a runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy eyes, nose and throat in people sensitive to grass pollens.

    Solutions

    • The best solution for any kind of pollen allergy is avoidance. For example, keep your windows shut during windy days, when pollen can be easily transported into your home. Keep your lawn trimmed to reduce the amount of grass pollens released into the air. Use a tumble dryer instead of drying clothes outside to avoid dragging pollens into your home. Check local weather reports for pollen counts, which measure the amount of allergenic pollens in the air during active seasons. Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter medications that can reduce your immune response to pollens and ease the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Seek emergency medical treatment for severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips and throat.

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