When you go outside in the morning now, there will be yellow dust over your car. This is called pollen and it is not just an annoyance to some of us, it is making someone sick. While most of us are going back and forth to the carwash others are going to the pharmacy. Spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer.
According to pollen.com, Pollen is one of the most common allergens in the United States. Pollen is an airborne allergen, which is picked up and carried by the wind. Various trees, grasses and weeds create pollen, which can cause hay fever, irritate your eyes and skin. Over 67 million people suffer from allergies and of those 67 million, 81% say they are allergic to pollen.
Pollen is a powdery yellow substance produced by seed plants. It consists of pollen grains, which produce male sperm cells. If you park under or near a tree you will have a heavy thick covering of pollen on your car, so make sure to keep your hands washed throughout the day.
You might not know it is your allergies because they can seem like cold symptoms. So here are some of the symptoms you might have if you are allergic to pollen.
- Runny, itchy, congested, or stuffy nose.
- Sneezing
- Irritable, itchy, watery, and red eyes.
- Rashes and hives
- Stomach cramps
Here are a few over-the-counter medications that will help you this season and throughout the year for other allergies. If these aren’t helping and before you try any medication, please reach out to your health care provider to treat any illness. The list below is for informational purposes only.
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
- Benadryl
- Allegra
- Xyzal
Along with medications to help with allergies, make sure you take a shower when you get home, wash your clothes immediately, use a nasal flush system, and wash your hands and anything else you frequently touch like doorknobs and keys.
By taking protective measures I am sure you will get through this season fine, stay safe!
Nikki