While your typical run of the mill allergies come from the pollen of trees and grass, these are other things out there that can give you a case of watery eyes, runny nose and rash. There are some everyday household items out there which you might not have even thought of, that are known allergy triggers.

1 in 7 people have a pollen allergy. Pollen is produced by flowering plants as part of their reproductive process. They are egg shaped males cells which are released so that they may find their way to the stigma and bear fruit.  Wind Pollination is one way that many types of trees, weeds and grasses like to reproduce. Plants that pollinate via wind have little dangling structures called anthers, in which the wind blows through and captures the pollen.

During certain times, large amounts of pollen can be released through the air, landing everywhere with the hopes of a few making to the receptive stigma.  However, instead of making to the female organ of the plant, a lot of this pollen can end up being breathed in or landing in people eyes causing allergic reactions.  The amount of pollen in the air at any given time depends upon the time of day and the type of weather, with windy warm conditions being the most ideal time for plants to release it. The pollen count that you may see listed on your morning news show is a prediction for the total amount of pollen in the air for that day.

A pollen grain contains 30 to 40 different proteins on its exterior coat which helps the stigma determine whether it is a correct pollination match. When people inhale these pollen grains, or if they happen to land in the eyes, these proteins are discharged just like they would be if the pollen had made it to the stigma. Normally, the immune system would attack these foreign proteins and discard them. However, sometimes the immune system fails to recognize these foreign invaders for what they are, and instead a process occurs in which histamine is released. It is histamine that is responsible for the symptoms of the allergy.  Pollen allergy symptoms include stuffy noses, itchy eyes, headaches, sore throat and difficulty breathing.

The pollen count is usually strongest between the middle of October to the end of March, although it is dependent upon the climate of the region.  Trees start to flower in spring, with the flowering time for each tree lasts a few weeks and the peak pollinating period lasting a couple of days. Grasses come in many varieties and each has their own pollinating period between mid-December and mid-March.

Ways to reduce exposure to pollen
Since pollen likes to cling to clothes, skin and hair, taking a shower and changing your clothes after going outside Is a good way to reduce allergies. Staying indoors in the mornings between the hour of 5 and 10 a.m. is another good way to avoid allergies. Also, it might be wise to stay inside during especially dry or windy days. If you need to work outside, wear a protective mask. Vacuum regularly with a vacuum that takes up all the airborne particles and use a good are purifier to keep the air inside clean. The herbal supplements Echinacea and dandelion have also been known to help.

Doing research on what types of plants cause your allergies and when they are pollinating will help you know when to avoid the outdoors and stay inside with the windows closed and the air conditioner running, There Is nothing to worry about before or after the pollination period, and once you learn which plants are wreaking havoc on allergies, it might even be safe to take a stroll through the woods.