|
The picture on the right is of an Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
tree in its pollination phase. You can see some of the particles of
pollen in the air (appearing as yellow specks) to the left of the
branches. Pollens that are visible to the unaided eye rarely cause
problems, as they are heavy and fall to the ground quickly. White Pine
pollen does cause allergy symptoms in some sensitive patients, but is
thought to be of minor importance in May and June (in the Midwest) for
allergy sufferers. Certainly, patients whose home is in a pine grove
or that live in the Carolinas may be more likely to have problems and
for longer periods.
The picture on the left is of June
Grass (Poa pratensis) or Kentucky Blue Grass as it's
commonly known. This is a widespread plant (a common yard grass)
throughout the Midwest and the Northeast. It is felt to be of major
importance as a cause of allergy symptoms. The pollen from grass is
not visible to the unaided eye and may travel for many miles in the
air. A person allergic to June grass will also be bothered by several
other grass pollens (Rye, Redtop, Meadow Fescue, etc.) because they
cross react. Grass pollen counts are the highest on warm, sunny days,
especially in the morning hours.
|
