Pollen: A Scientific Explanation and How to Manage It

Pollen plays a very important role in the reproduction of flowering plants and trees, but for many people, it’s the culprit behind severe seasonal allergies every spring. Understanding where pollen comes from and how to manage these allergies can help you alleviate the symptoms and improve quality of life during this season.

WHAT IS POLLEN

Pollen is a fine, yellow, powdery substance produced by male reproductive organs in flowering plants. Its primary response is to fertilize the female reproductive organs of the same flower or other ones, too. This leads to seed production and plant production. Pollen grains are very small, thin, and lightweight, making them easily dispersible by wind, insects, birds, and other animals.

SOURCES OF POLLEN

Pollen comes from dozens of various plants, grasses, weeds, flowers, and trees. Different types of plants produce different types of pollen at different times of year, contributing to seasonal allergies. That’s why some people can face these allergies even in the fall season, but it most typically happens in the spring. Some common sources of pollen include:

• Trees such as oak, birch, maple, cedar and pine produce large amounts of pollen during the springtime
• Grass pollen is prevalent during late spring and early summer, and this is the biggest culprit relating to seasonal allergies
• Flowers are essential for pollination, and the pollen that comes from flowers tends to be heavier and stickier, so it is carried by insects
• Weeds like sagebrush, pigweed, ragweed release pollen in the late summer and early fall 

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

When pollen is inhaled by a person or comes into contact with mucous membranes (like the eyes and nose), it can trigger severe allergic reactions in some people. Common symptoms include 

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• And even some severe asthma symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing

MANAGING REACTIONS

While it’s essentially impossible to completely avoid pollen, there are many strategies to manage your allergy symptoms:

• Stay informed about pollen levels in your local area by checking weather reports daily or even using pollen tracking websites like this one.
• Keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen season (especially on windy days) to prevent pollen from entering your home.
• Consider using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home to trap pollen and other allergens
• After spending time outside, come home and change clothes or shower immediately to avoid tracking the pollen inside all over your home
• Try over-the-counter or prescription allergy medicines to help relieve allergy symptoms. You can even consider immunotherapy or allergy shots if you have considerably severe allergies