Pollen Allergy

• Pollen are microscopic reproductive cells
• 20% of the public is allergic to them
• 85% of pollen is non-allergenic
• Pollen are from trees, grass, and weeds
• Tree allergy mainly occurs in the Spring
• Grass allergy mainly occurs in the Summer
• Weed allergy mainly occurs in the Fall
• Symptoms are predominantly respiratory
• Acute nasal symptoms are sneezing, runny nose and eyes • Chronic symptoms include nasal congestion and stuffiness • Asthma follows nasal allergy; the airway becomes obstructed
• Management begins with prevention
• Avoidance is best, but difficult to impossible
• Leaving town during the ragweed season
• Remaining indoors
• Plant non-allergenic trees and grass is a community project
• Crop the grass short during mowing
• Non-sedating antihistamines as needed
• Intra-nasal steroid or Cromolyn spray every day
• Trial on Leukotriene inhibitor if needed additionally
• Allergy injection therapy if insufficiently improved

Bill Ziering

Rx365  A Year of Tips for the Successful Medical Practice