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Tips for avoiding pollen allergy suffering

As the weather warms up, pollen season has arrived as well.

What exactly is pollen? It's a fine powder that is released as part of the reproductive cycle of trees, grass and ragweed.

There are three distinct peaks in pollen production during the year: tree pollen peaks in spring, grass pollen spikes in the summer and ragweed pollen surges in fall.

When the pollen touches the lining of the nose, eyes, throat and lungs, it may result in sneezing and runny and congested nasal passages. This creates post nasal drip and a cough with shortness of breath.

Pollen allergies can be quite uncomfortable. Below are some measures people can take to avoid pollen allergies.

Always monitor the predicted pollen count so that you can plan your day accordingly

Pollen levels are usually highest in the mornings and on windy days, so if possible, minimize outdoor activity during those times

When there is a high pollen count, use recirculating air conditioning in the car instead of opening the windows

Wrap-around sunglasses are a better choice when outside to help prevent pollen allergens from getting in the eyes

Nasal irrigation with salt water is helpful to wash the pollen from the lining of the nose

Consider foods that are rich in quercetin, a natural occurring substance that is found in plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their colors. It is known to inhibit the release of histamine which is said to be responsible for the symptoms of allergies in addition to having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Food rich in quercetin include berries, apples, onions and peppers.

Those suffering from pollen allergies may also consider immunotherapy, repeated doses of very small amounts of pollen allergens over several years that desensitizes the body to the allergen. This is available as allergy shots and allergy drops.

•Deeba Masood, MD, specializes in allergy and immunology at Northwestern Medicine, and sees patients in both the Grayslake Outpatient center and in the Vernon Hills clinic. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 847.535.7647.

Pollen allergies can cause sneezing and coughing. File photo
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