How Does the Pollen Count Affect Those With Asthma & Allergies?
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Allergic Reactions and Pollen
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People with asthma and allergies can be adversely affected by pollen in the air. The chemical composition of pollen is what causes the allergic reaction in both cases. The pollen count is a measure of the concentration of pollen for a certain area. It is usually stated as the number of pollen grains per square meter of air collected during a 24-hour period. Therefore, the higher the pollen count, the higher the chances are that people will have a reaction. While the pollen count is an estimation and continually changing, it is a good indicator whether people adversely affected by pollen should spend much time outdoors.
Allergies and the Pollen Count
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For those with allergies, the introduction of pollen into the nasal passage causes rhinitis, or an inflammation of the mucus membranes. This is what in turn causes the common symptoms of "hay fever;" running and reddened nose, an itching sensation in the eyes and congestion.The pollen count can also indicate the severity of an allergic reaction. A high pollen count would most likely mean a more severe reaction while a lower count would mean a milder reaction.
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Asthma and the Pollen Count
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People with asthma have different triggers that set off spasms in the major airways of the lungs, making breathing difficult. Though not as likely to set off an asthma attack as other triggers, pollen can bring on the symptoms of asthma. The higher the pollen count, the more likely this is to happen.
Strategies to Avoid Pollen
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There are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of having a pollen induced allergic or asthmatic. First, avoid the outdoors in the morning and especially during warm, dry days. Keep windows and doors shut when possible. Minimize your contact with anything that could have come into contact with pollen, this includes pets and people who have spent large amounts of time outdoors.
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