Atlanta wouldn’t be a booming city within a budding forest without the pollen that gives it life. Spring is the time when trees produce and release their pollen, which carries their DNA from the stamens to the pistil.
You’ve likely noticed the super-fine, yellow dust on your car and patio furniture during this spring tree pollen season. It’s called pollen and it’s released from the male pine cones.
But the yellow dust doesn’t actually cause your symptoms – it’s usually oak, hickory and weed pollen that have much smaller, invisible pollen grains that cause the most trouble.
It’s time to say goodbye to the yellow dust – and the itching, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose and general itchy-head that comes with it. The peak of tree pollen season in Georgia begins mid-March and lasts through early April.
If you’re having a tough time dealing with the pollen, here are a few ways to help get your symptoms under control:
Check the pollen forecast before going outside. Many allergy experts recommend using nasal saline rinses several times throughout the day, which can remove pollen particles from your nasal passages and soothe irritated nasal membranes.
Limit your outdoor activity in the morning and during the heat of the day (especially between 10 AM and 4 PM).
Keep your windows closed, especially when it’s windy.
Wash your clothes after outside activities to avoid getting them covered in pollen.
