How Pollen Affects People – The Tide

A local Rockville garden displays a beautiful assortment of flowers.

Every year, as spring rolls roll around the corner and flowers paint our landscapes, there is yet another reminder of the changing seasons: pollen. Essentially, pollen serves as an essential component in the reproductive cycle of flowering plants. Each pollen grain contains male gametes that are necessary for fertilization.

Because bees carry pollen grains on their bodies, they facilitate the production of seeds and fruits. This interaction is crucial for maintaining plant species diversity and supporting ecosystems worldwide. However, for many people it also serves as a signal of seasonal discomfort.

The vast majority of people are affected by the pollen variant of hay fever, with symptoms including, but not limited to, runny, itchy and stuffy noses or irritable, itchy and watery red eyes. However, all of these symptoms are not responses from a virus, but rather your immune system deciding that newcomers like pollen are a threat.

The body then responds to the allergen by releasing chemicals that can cause widespread hay fever symptoms. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and reduce overall well-being. For some, pollen allergies can be severe enough to require staying indoors during peak pollen times or relying on medications to ease symptoms. “My eyes get swollen and itchy and my nose gets stuffy. Spring is really tough for me in terms of the pollen symptoms I get,” junior Asher Herman said.

The intensity of allergic reactions varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the type of pollen, its concentration and individual vulnerability. High pollen counts, often on hot, dry days, can worsen symptoms. In addition, specific types of pollen, such as those from grasses and weeds, tend to trigger more severe reactions.

Pollen allergies can even herald louder symptoms, such as temporary conductive hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the middle ear. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma may be more sensitive to pollen. According to the CDC, a link has been made between exposure to pollen to asthma attacks and an increase in the number of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases. Medical costs associated with pollen exceed $3 billion annually, with nearly half of these costs related to prescription drugs.

Despite the prevalence of pollen allergies, effective, proven strategies exist to mitigate their impact; actions that can be taken at the family level to help individuals affected by pollen. “Give them claritin and help them keep an eye on the forecast so they can avoid the worst allergies,” junior Maria Yu said.

Additionally, schools and communities should raise awareness about pollen allergies. They can support students by creating allergy-friendly environments, educating staff and students on how to manage allergies, and taking proactive steps to reduce exposure to pollen during outdoor activities.

By recognizing the impact of pollen allergies and respiratory conditions, individuals can take proactive steps to manage symptoms and minimize discomfort during pollen season.

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