Do you find yourself sneezing, itching or battling watery eyes as the seasons change? If so, you may have a pollen allergy—one of the most common types of seasonal allergies. A confirmed diagnosis from a board-certified allergist is the first step to helping you enjoy the outdoors again. While there isn’t a cure for pollen allergies, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) explains several treatments and lifestyle modifications to help ease your symptoms.
What is a pollen allergy?
A pollen allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies pollen—tiny particles from trees, grasses and weeds—as a threat. In response, the immune system releases histamine and other chemicals, triggering symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion. The pollen responsible for these symptoms often comes from trees in the spring, grasses in the summer and weeds like ragweed in the fall.
Common causes of pollen allergies
Trees, grasses and weeds release pollen to fertilize other plants. Unlike the heavy, sticky pollen of flowering plants like roses—which are pollinated by insects—allergy-triggering pollen is small, light and airborne, making it able to travel long distances.
Common pollen allergy triggers include:
Trees: Oak, birch, cedar, elm, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress, walnut, catalpa, olive and pecan
Grasses: Timothy, Johnson, Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda, orchard, sweet vernal and red top
Weeds: Ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, tumbleweed, Russian thistle and cockle weed
Pollen season varies by location, but climate change is causing both earlier and longer pollen seasons, in addition to higher pollen concentrations.
Recognizing pollen allergy symptoms
People with pollen allergies may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Scratchy throat
Sinus pressure
Combined, these symptoms may disrupt sleep, concentration and overall quality of life.
If you have asthma, pollen may also cause increased coughing and wheezing—potentially triggering an asthma attack. In fact, pollen allergy is believed to be one of the main reasons for the “September Asthma Peak,” which is when asthma-related hospitalizations and ER visits tend to spike.
Treatment options for pollen allergies
The first step in managing pollen allergies is testing by a board-certified allergist. Skin testing or blood tests can confirm which types of pollen trigger your symptoms. An allergist can also help you find relief by determining which medications will work best for your set of triggers.
Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine may help reduce itching and sneezing, while nasal corticosteroids like fluticasone may relieve inflammation and congestion.
Immunotherapy: Allergy shots, or sublingual tablets for grass and ragweed allergies, may help reduce sensitivity to pollen over time.
Biologics: For severe cases, biologics target the source of symptoms and may benefit those with allergic rhinitis who have nasal polyps or asthma.
Most allergy treatments work best when started at least two weeks before pollen season begins. This allows the treatments to prevent your body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause your symptoms.
Tips for managing pollen allergies
In addition to medications, there are steps you may take to reduce exposure to pollen and manage your symptoms:
Check daily pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high-pollen days.
Keep windows closed and use high-efficiency filters in your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to filter pollen out of your home.
Wash your clothing frequently, and try to bathe pets weekly.
Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
Clean your home regularly by vacuuming and dusting.
Use a saline nasal wash—rinse your sinuses with a saline solution (saltwater) to flush out allergens and mucus.
Living with pollen allergies doesn’t have to mean constant discomfort. With the right knowledge and support from your allergist, you can find relief.
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