Trees, grasses and weeds are outdoor allergens. The abundance of pollens depends on the geographic locations and the time of the year.
To facilitate identification of pollens, the United States is divided to several regions; each region has a unique group of pollens, although there is some overlap. The climate variation of each region and its altitude from the sea, among other factors, makes each region have a unique group of pollens. Your allergist is familiar with your regional pollens.
The following are some facts about pollens:
n Time of the year – Each region has a different pollinating season. For example, certain trees may pollinate earlier in one region and later in another.
n Abundance – To cause allergic symptoms, pollens need to be airborne. Repeated inhalation of the same pollens over a several-season period can cause allergic condition in susceptible individuals.
n Pollen transportation – Allergenic pollens are usually windborne, whereas insects transport pollens of plants with colorful and pretty flowers. Therefore such plants are not the usual source of pollen allergy.
n Size of pollens – Pollens with smaller size can get to lower airways whereas the larger pollens may not, or at least not efficiently. Pollen allergy symptoms may vary depending on the site of pollen exposure. The majority of the pollens are larger particles that can reach the eyes, nose and the upper airways where they cause symptoms.
The following are some tips to prevent or control pollen allergy:
n Close windows – Closing windows during pollinating seasons helps to prevent transportation of airborne pollens to indoor environments.
n Do not mow the lawn – Ideally, you should not mow the lawn if you are allergic to grass pollens. If you have to, then wear a mask during the mowing and change your clothing and take a shower afterward.
n Change outdoor clothes – Children upon return from an outdoor activity should change their clothes and take showers to remove contaminated pollens from their hair and bodies.
n Stay indoor – Stay indoors during days with high pollen counts.
One of our readers has asked the following questions regarding “Dust mite allergy” article that appeared in June 14:
Q: Where do you get benzyl benzoate and tannic acid? Can you use both at the same time, mixing them?
A: The best way to shop for those chemicals is through the Internet. You can use a common key word such as ” allergy” or ” dust mites” or “dust mites control.” As far as mixing them, check with the manufacturer to find out if combining them would cause an adverse chemical reaction. You should note that each of these chemicals has its role in controlling mites; benzyl benzoates kills the mites and tannic acid 1 percent or 3 percent denatures the mite allergens. Remember the effect of tannic acid is temporary and may last 6 weeks to 3 months.
Q: Does putting blankets or pillows in a sauna at 130 degree F kill mites?
A: In theory, water or dry heat of 130 degree F or above kills the mites. You may choose the source of the heat.
Q: Is middle ear infection or sinus infection connected to dust mite?
A: People with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are prone to develop sinus infection. One reason is that the swelling of nasal tissues in such patients may cause partial or complete blockage of nasal passages; difficulty of communication of air and sinus secretions due to swelling and blockage of the nasal tissues with the outer environment, may cause growth of bacteria in the sinus areas and infection. In chronic sinusitis (sinus infection), indoor allergens play an important role. These are allergens that are presents throughout the year such as dust mites, pets and molds. Please remember that many other factors besides allergens contribute to development of sinus infection.
There are several types of ear infections. Ear infection may affect inner ears, middle ears or external auditory canals. Although research reports in relation to cause and effect of allergies are debatable, the association of middle ear infections and allergies are documented in many studies. It is useful to treat middle ear infections in allergic patients or to treat allergies in patients with middle ear infections. Treating one element may help the improvement of the other. The allergic condition may be due to various allergens such as dust mites, pollen and other aeroallergens and is not specific to certain allergens.
Dr. Massoud Mahmoudi is an assistant clinical professor in the division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of California, San Francisco’s Department of Medicine and is in private practice in the South Bay. He is the author of the new book “Allergy Cure!” E-mail him questions at do************@***oo.com.
