What is a Pollen Calendar?
- Pollen calendars show the temporal dynamics of the airborne pollen count in a certain region.
- They provide easily readable visual information on airborne pollen count present all year round in a single image.
- Pollen calendars are typically location-specific and closely correlated with the flora that is present there.
- Regional pollen calendars are widely utilized in Europe, the UK, and the US to forecast the timing and intensity of the pollen season as well as to avoid and treat allergic rhinitis and hay fever.
Advantages of a Pollen Calendar
A Pollen Calendar offers physicians and allergy sufferers a clear grasp of the possible allergy triggers and aids in limiting exposure during the high pollen count load period. For the public to wear protective clothing whenever the concentration of allergy pollen is high, early advisories might be prepared and distributed through media channels.
Ambee pollen app
Ambee’s App swiftly and easily delivers real-time data for a seamless user experience. It is simple to incorporate into any program, application, or product and is user-friendly for developers. The pollen dataset offers both pollen index and danger levels for many categories. It provides overall risk alerts for over 90 different pollen species. The dataset provides information on different types of pollen, grass, weeds, and trees.
Additionally, the pollen dataset complies with the standards and requirements established by the National Allergies Bureau for each category. Billions of data from cities are analyzed by Ambee’s technology to determine the information on the worldwide species risk level. The Ambee air quality & pollen app also contains all of this data.
Types of Pollen by Month
January
Despite the low pollen count for this month, pollen from trees, particularly those of the hazel, yew, willow, and poplar families, is beginning to appear. Although the symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as winter cold, hay fever can occur in January.
February
In February, seven different tree pollen varieties started to cause trouble. Ash, elm, and birch pollen are also present, in addition to hazel, yew, alder, and willow. The pollen season’s climax occurs this month, with hazel or yew reaching their highest levels until mid-March.
March
Oak, poplar, and plane pollen all arrive in March. Elm, willow, alder, and poplar pollen, as well as the finished hazel pollen, cause hay fever to increase in March.
April
Ash, birch, oak, and plane pollen all peak in April, while pine pollen first appears. Although April is noted for its showers, it also marks the beginning and end of the tree pollen season. Only the tree-pollen families of birch, oak, pine, and plane are present. Unwantedly, grass, oilseed rape, and weed pollen are also beginning to appear. – with the start of the pollen season for plantains and nettles.
May
Regarding monitoring pollen, this month has been quite the rollercoaster. May is the beginning of the pollen season for dock and lime, which begin to cause hay fever and the peak and end of the pollen seasons for pine or oil seed rape. Oak and plane have reached the height of their growth, while grass pollen is starting to soar. The end of birch pollen season will be welcome news if you suffer from allergies.
June
June marks the conclusion of the pollen seasons for oak, pine, oil crops rape, and planes while pollen season continues to peak. Mugwort pollen season begins.
July
The peak of grass & nettle pollen is now over, while the peak of mugwort has begun. The season for lime pollen is now over.
August
The great news is that pollen counts are starting to decline, and that dock and nettle pollen season will, fortunately, finish this month.
September
The end of the grass & nettle pollen seasons marks the end of the hay fever season. The fresh air may finally enter your home without creating runny noses and itchy eyes, but it may become chilly. Windows can now be opened freely.
Here are some strategies to help you handle pollen counts while keeping an eye on your particular allergy:
1. If it’s warm and windy, stay inside.
When it’s windy, try to remain inside because pollen counts typically rise on sunny, warm, or windy days.
2. Go outside when it’s appropriate.
If you must go outside, attempt to do so while pollen counts are low. Pollen counts are greatest in the afternoon and again at night.
3. Recognize the pollens you are allergic to and take appropriate action.
Knowing what you are allergic to is essential to allergy symptoms so you can take the necessary precautions.
According to Dr. Willits, some individuals believe they should avoid an oak tree on their yard. However, if the pollen count for trees is high, it will fly around and expose you to allergens.
4. Begin taking your medications early
Begin your allergy regimen approximately a month before the start of the season if you know you suffer from allergies every year. In this manner, any drug can enter your system and begin acting before the start of the season.
5. Close the doors and windows
If you have allergies, it could be alluring to let the fresh spring breeze in your home but doing so could spell disaster. Instead, switch on the air conditioning unit to keep the temperature in your home comfortable and the pollen outside.
6. Keep allergies and dust out of your home.
Controlling your seasonal allergies can improve by keeping your home clean of dust. Pollen and other irritants found in dust might worsen your allergies. Additionally, smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and other sources, such as wood-burning stove fumes, aggravates allergy symptoms, so avoid exposure to these allergens to help manage your allergies.
7. Bathe at night.
Showering each night will help eliminate irritants since pollen can adhere to your skin, clothes, and hair. Do not forget to take off and wash any clothes that came into contact with pollen. If the pollen may not have a chance to enter your bed, you’ll sleep better at night.
8 before going outside, pre-medicate with an antihistamine or use a pollen mask.
Before you leave the house to mow the lawn, sweep leaves, interact with your kids, or engage in other activities that expose you to pollen, take an antihistamine. Another quick and simple method of limiting exposure to irritants is to wear a pollen mask. For further defense against allergens, most pharmacies provide pollen masks.
9. Control animal dander
Although it may seem obvious, avoid getting a pet if allergic to them. Keep your pet away from your bed and out of your bedroom, at the absolute least, if you have one. Even if you are not allergic to animals, you should still rinse your hands after handling them, never wipe your eyes after caressing them, and periodically brush your pet’s hair. Pet dander can be greatly reduced by vacuuming your home at least once a week.
10. Watch out for mold
Both indoor and outside mold can cause allergies in certain people. Wipe away any stagnant water in the toilet and shower area to help prevent mold growth in your home. Mold is less likely to grow when you use a ventilation fan while taking a shower. Use a humidifier with caution if you suffer from a mold allergy. Aim to keep your home’s humidity level under 60%. Any higher can encourage the growth of mold in your house.
