SUNDAY, April 20 (HealthDay News) -- For gardeners with
allergies, it can be difficult to enjoy their passion for plants
when they have to cope with the misery of sneezing, itchy eyes,
congestion and, in some cases, an asthma attack.
"Gardening outside during times of high pollen counts puts
patients at risk for severe allergic symptoms," Dr. Warren Filley,
an allergist/immunologist in Oklahoma City, said in a prepared
statement.
"Avoidance measures, as well as the use of medications and
allergy immunotherapy, can make the difference between having fun
in the garden and being miserable," said Filley, a long-time
gardener who suffers from allergies.
An allergist/immunologist can help determine which plant species
are causing allergies and offer advice on the best time of day or
season to work in the garden, according to the American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). For example, pollen
levels are typically lower on rainy, cloudy and windless days.
Gardeners can also control their allergies by careful selection
of plants. Certain flowers, trees and grasses are less likely to
produce pollen. These include: cacti, cherry, dahlia, daisy,
geranium, iris, magnolia, rose, snapdragon and tulip.
Plants that are highly allergenic include: ash, cedar,
cottonwood, oak, maple, pine, saltgrass and timothy.
Skin testing is the best way to determine which plants will
trigger allergic reactions in individuals, said the AAAAI, which
offered some additional allergy prevention tips for gardeners:
- Whenever working around plants likely to cause an allergic
reaction, avoid touching your eyes or face.
- Consider wearing a mask to reduce the amount of pollen spores
that you inhale.
- Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize
skin contact with allergens.
- Leave gardening tools and clothing, such as gloves and shoes,
outside to avoid bringing allergens indoors.
- Shower immediately after gardening or doing other yard
work.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about
allergies.
