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Topic of the Month - April- Select your seed to avoid the sneeze
For many seasonal allergy suffers, getting their hands dirty in the garden has consequences. Sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and other reactions turn gardening fun into misery. But with a few simple precautions, allergies don't have to stand between a person and their horticultural hobbies. An allergist/immunologist can advise on the best times of day or season to do planting and maintenance work in the garden. Pollen levels are typically lower on rainy, cloudy and windless days. Pay attention to pollen counts on the local evening news or daily newspaper weather report. Measurements are also available for many major cities through the National Allergy Bureau at http://www.aaaai.org/nab. By making careful decisions about what plants to include in landscaping or a garden, and what plants to avoid, allergy sufferers can reduce the symptoms that frequently accompany gardening. Certain flowers, trees and grasses are naturally better suited for the gardens of people with outdoor allergies. They are less likely to produce irritating pollen but will still add color and variety to the garden. You may be better off choosing plants that are less likely to cause a reaction. By making careful decisions about what plants to include in landscaping or a garden, and what plants to avoid, allergy sufferers can reduce the symptoms that frequently accompany gardening. Certain flowers, trees and grasses are naturally better suited for the gardens of people with outdoor allergies. They are less likely to produce irritating pollen but will still add color and variety to the garden. You may be better off choosing plants that are less likely to cause a reaction. These include: 
 In general, highly-allergenic plants to avoid include:
The best way to determine which plants will trigger reactions is through skin testing at your allergist/immunologist's office. An allergist/immunologist can help you develop strategies to avoid troublesome plants and pollen and can prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms.  Whenever working around plants likely to cause an allergic reaction, avoid touching your eyes or face. You may also consider wearing a mask to reduce the amount of pollen spores that you breathe in. Leave gardening tools and clothing - such as gloves and shoes - outside to avoid bringing allergens indoors. Showering immediately after gardening may also help reduce symptoms. Taking these steps can help put the fun back into gardening. Please contact an allergist/immunologist for more information on treatment options and tips to reduce allergen exposure. An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified medical professional to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma. To find an allergist/immunologist near you, click here. Additional Resources This topic was reviewed on 4/1/2008 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor. |
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© 1996-2008 · All Rights Reserved · American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology |
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