For Immediate Release Contact: Jo Ann Faber at (847) 427-1200
May 21, 2004 joannfaber@acaai.org
Gardening Can Be a Breeze Without the Sneeze and Wheeze
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – As spring planting season approaches, many Americans are preparing to dig into gardening. Unfortunately, making your garden grow can also trigger sneezing and wheezing if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
An estimated 50 million Americans have some type of allergy, and seasonal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are one of the most common, affecting 10 percent to 30 percent of the population.
The condition is caused by an allergy to the pollen from trees, grasses, weeds or the spores of molds. Typical symptoms are sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and a burning sensation on the palate or in the throat. Exposure to these allergens also can trigger asthma.
Depending on where you live, the pollen season usually lasts from March through October, with most plants having the same pollination period each year.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) provides the following tips to help seasonal allergy sufferers enjoy the beauty of their lawn and garden without suffering.
• Wind-borne pollinating plants, including trees, grasses and weeds, are more likely to cause an allergic reaction. They produce pollen that is light and almost invisible. Released in large quantities for reproduction, the pollens can be easily inhaled. These plants often have smaller blooms with little or no color.
• Bright and colorful plants often are insect-pollinated, producing pollens that are larger, heavier and stickier. These pollens, which are carried by insects and animals from plant to plant, are much less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• Disease-resistant plants are less likely to produce mildew, rust and black spot, which can cause allergies.
• Native plants are already adapted to a climate and are often easier to grow since they do not require extensive watering, fertilizer or pesticides. These plants also often attract more butterflies, insects and birds which help reduce wind-borne pollination.
• If you do have high-pollen producing plants, keep them away from front or back doors, bedroom windows or other high-traffic areas.
Also follow these tips to reduce your symptoms while gardening:
• Peak pollen times depend on the plant, the weather and your geographical location. A local allergist can help determine what plants trigger your allergy symptoms and can provide practical tips on how you can avoid them.
• Take antihistamines or nasal sprays before you begin gardening rather than after symptoms start.
• Wear a pollen mask and gloves to limit exposure.
• Avoid touching your face and eyes while working outdoors.
• Do your gardening on days when the pollen count is low or when the day is cool, cloudy, or less windy. Avoid hot weather, it can increase pollination.
• Watch for rain showers which can temporarily clear pollen from the air. Brief thunderstorms, however, can actually increase pollen counts.
• Wash hands often and rinse eyes with cool water after coming indoors to remove clinging pollen. Wash hair at night to prevent pollens from getting into bedding.
If your garden causes you to sneeze and wheeze, an allergist can help you identify what triggers your allergy symptoms and will assist you in developing the most effective treatment plan.
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization comprising 4,963 qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals. The College is dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care.