ALLERGY TO GRASS POLLEN
Most people with allergy to grass pollen find that their sensitivity increases as the season progresses. At the beginning of the season in May, a low pollen count of 50 or 80 may not trouble you, but later in the season after prolonged exposure and constant reaction, your tolerance becomes reduced and a low count may be sufficient to trigger a reaction. Tree pollens have the same effect, but because the season for most tree pollens is so short, the effects are often less severe.
Certain parts of the UK have consistently lower pollen counts than others. Coastal breezes blow pollen grains inland and coastal locations therefore are often favourable to people allergic to pollens. Upland areas, such as the Scottish Highlands, the Pennines, the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire and the Black Mountains of Wales, have low grass pollen counts; this is thought to be in part due to the prevalence of moor grasses which produce little pollen. The eastern side of the country, at the tail of the UK’s prevailing westerly winds, has relatively high pollen counts; and South East England and East Anglia, with warmer climates, and crop and grassland agriculture, are markedly high pollen areas.
Finally, certain activities at peak pollen season can stir up very high localised pollen concentrations and are best avoided. Mowing the grass will stir up high levels of grass pollen. Pollens can also cling to long pet hair, or to clothes and human hair, if you go for a walk or drive amongst grass or trees. Pollens also adhere to laundry hanging out to dry – particularly if left out during the early evening. The pollens can then be brought indoors on the fur, hair, clothes or laundry and cause problems indoors.
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