Pollen released by trees, grasses and weeds causes hay fever. The pollen that affects one person may not affect another, and finding out what pollen you react to can help you plan strategies to minimise your exposure. In spring and summer months when the pollen count is higher, hay fever sufferers should note all of their symptoms and which type of pollen is active, as well as how the weather and their environment affects their health.
Which pollen do I react to?
Take note of which pollen is most prevalent at any one time, and connect that to when your symptoms flare up (eg different tree pollens tend to be active from early spring to early summer, grass and weed pollens are more common in summer months). By using a diary or health-tracker app that records the levels of different pollens, in conjunction with your health patterns, diet, moods, pollution and environment, you can help track your own symptom triggers.
What is the weather like?
Rain
- Many factors in the weather can impact on the pollen count, and also on how pollen behaves. For example, rain will wash pollen away and can cause temporary relief of hay fever symptoms. Though after a downpour, pollen may be broken up into smaller particles and can spread further.
Sun
- Hot, dry and windy weather means plants release more pollen, and the wind carries it further. Though there is some relief – in hot conditions, the heat causes the air to rise, carrying the pollen with it. This means inhaling pollen is more likely to be a problem in the early mornings and early evening, when cooler air carries the pollen back down to earth.
Thunder
- In thundery atmospheres, pollen is broken up into smaller pieces which are spread further by turbulence, and thus they become more active.
Is the atmosphere humid?
Here’s the good bit – humidity can make your skin feel softer, and pollen is less likely to move around in heavy, humid conditions. However, if you suffer from multiple ‘inhalant’ allergies, moulds and dust mites love the damp, and increase in humid weather. If rain keeps you inside, then make sure you have a good vacuum cleaner (wear a mask when you use it) and a good air filter, if possible.
What are pollution levels like?
Pollution particles can combine with pollen so in polluted atmospheres, hay fever will be worse. Finding out what pollution levels are like on particular days and in particular places can help you decide if you need to take diversionary tactics.
Keep a meticulous record of your environment
A reputable and efficient health-tracker app like AlliApp helps you keep on top of what you eat and do, where you go, and how it makes you feel. The additional pollen alerts in Premium AlliApp that keep track of what pollen is highest at any one time, help you discover your own personal pollen triggers. Premium AlliApp records pollution levels, your moods and food intake, as well as weather conditions. By keeping a meticulous record of our environment and diet we can help ourselves back to better health.