Ways to avoid pollen during the flowering period
Pollen is the most common inhaled allergen, as it is estimated to affect approximately 40% of allergy sufferers.
Exposure occurs through the air during the flowering period. It causes allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis with main symptoms of nasal congestion (stuffy nose), runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, redness and itching of the conjunctiva. It also causes asthma with main symptoms of coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing (dyspnea) and chest tightness.
Allergies are caused by light pollen that is easily transported by the wind (anemophilous). It is produced by various grasses (e.g. grass, cereals), shrubs (e.g. partridge) and trees (e.g. olive, cypress). It can be transported up to several kilometers away from the plant that produced it. In contrast, the larger and heavier pollen produced by large, brightly colored flowers (e.g. roses, magnolias, dahlias) is transported with the help of insects (entomophilous).
Parents and children with pollen allergies should know what measures to take during the pollen season in order to avoid, as much as possible, exposure to quantities of pollen that can trigger or facilitate the onset of symptoms.
The recommended measures are the following:
- Make sure to find out about the plants your child is allergic to and their flowering season.
- High concentrations of pollen are observed in the atmosphere in the morning hours (7:00-10:00), as well as in the evening hours (19:00-21:00). Limit your child’s activities outside the home and keep the windows closed.
- Heat and drought favor the dispersion of pollen grains. Rain fixes them to the ground. On days when there is a strong wind, leave the windows (of the house, car) closed.
- Wear your child sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into his eyes.
- Do not dry clothes outside in the air on days of high pollen counts. Pollen sticks to them.
- If your child has a grass allergy, avoid playing on the lawn, and especially avoid mowing it during the flowering period.
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