Avoiding Pollen and Spores
Pollen and spores are a problem in towns and cities as well as in the countryside. This is because they are small and light enough to be carried in the air over great distances during the course of the day.
Most pollen is released in the morning and rises skywards with the heat of the day. It then gets whisked overland by winds and breezes. The pollen then sinks back to earth late afternoon or early evening as the temperature starts to drop.
Although it is difficult to avoid pollens and spores completely, there are several sensible and worthwhile precautions you can take.
Indoors
- Keep doors and windows closed especially mid-morning and late afternoon to early evening. These are the times when the pollen count is usually at its highest.
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- Avoid drying your clothes outside. But if you do, shake them before bringing them back into the house. This will get rid of any pollen and spores that might have blown onto them.
- If you have been out walking or gardening, shower, wash your hair and change your clothes when you get back in to lessen the chance of carrying pollen into your house.
- Splash your eyes with cold water regularly. This will help flush out any pollen and will also soothe and cool your eyes.
- Keep fresh flowers out of the house.
- Keep furry pets out of the house during the hay fever season.
- Another important tip is to stop people from smoking in your home.
Outdoors
- Try to stay indoors if there is a high pollen count.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, these will help stop pollen blowing into your eyes.
- Smear Vaseline inside your nose which can help to stop pollen and spores from settling on the lining of your nose.
- Try to stay out of places with lots of grass, like parks or fields.
- Keep your car windows closed. Some cars can be fitted with pollen filters. Ask at your local garage for further details.
- Try to avoid mowing the lawn or weeding. These activities can create clouds of pollen and spores.
- If you enjoy gardening, consider creating a friendly environment for yourself. Grow insect-pollinated plants like the geranium, iris and clematis. Consider replacing the lawn with attractive paving. Don't grow any new hedges and don't cut existing ones yourself. Do away with compost heap, (which produce mould spores). For further information on Low Allergy Garden contact Asthma Society of Ireland.
For More information for attending outdoor events or music festivals see our "Asthma and Allergy Guide for Outdoor Events" http://www.asthmasociety.ie/news/news42.html
For further information, click to download our 'Asthma & Allergic Rhinitis' booklet.
