Seasonal allergies are a chronic nuisance for millions of people each spring. Dealing with seasonal allergies—also known as hay fever—can be frustrating. However, if you know which ones to look out for, then you can better protect yourself against their onslaught every year. With this in mind, here are the most common types of seasonal allergies.
Birch Pollen
Seasonal allergies come from a greater presence of airborne pollen when the flowers bloom during the spring. One of the most common allergens is birch pollen, which comes from birch trees. When a strong wind blows through an area, it will pick up all the microscopic pollen particles that birch trees release and scatter them throughout the premises. Up to 5 million pollen grains can come from just one birch tree. In addition, the grains can travel as far as 100 yards from their parent tree.
Ragweed Pollen
If there aren’t any trees near you but you’re still suffering from allergies, ragweed plants could be nearby. This type of foliage emits weed pollen between spring and fall, causing numerous allergy cases across the country. However, depending on where you live, ragweed pollen might not appear until the end of July, continuing its spread until mid-October.
Driven by wind, ragweed pollen could potentially reach destinations a few hundred miles away from where it came. Furthermore, if the winter is mild, the pollen could survive the duration of the season, giving more people allergies in the meantime.
Oak Pollen
Birch trees aren’t the only variety of tree that causes allergies. Oak trees also emit airborne pollen throughout spring. Although oak pollen isn’t quite as allergenic as other types, it remains airborne for more extended periods. Consequently, if someone who is severely allergic to pollen comes into contact with it, the results can be devastating.
Grass Pollen
Although we’re still a few months out from summer, you should know that the most significant allergy trigger during this season is grass. Some of the most dreadful allergic reactions come from grass pollen, and treating symptoms can be arduous and challenging.
Overall, the blooming flowers of spring are beautiful sights—but the allergic reactions from their pollen are hideous. Thankfully, there are countless forms of treatment for a variety of allergies. People who take allergy shots or tablets can generally relieve their symptoms quickly and effectively. Surprisingly, massage can also alleviate symptoms. However, now that you know the most common types of seasonal allergies, you can look out for them and protect yourself from their effects.
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