Allergy to flowers

By Joel Escol

Allergies to flowers are perhaps the most annoying types of allergy a person can have. And why not? Flowers exist almost anywhere. They are used to beautify homes, offices, buildings and of course, gardens. As such, a person with allergies to flowers and their pollens can’t avoid being near them. What’s worse, they can’t even appreciate the beauty a flower can give.

The pollens in flowers are the ones that give allergies to some people. Pollens are very important because these help the plant reproduce.

Among the flowers that produce huge amount of pollens and are therefore not good for people with allergies are ox-eye daisies, dahlias, ordinary sunflowers, chamomile, gerbera, amaranth, asters, dandelion, goldenrod and some types of chrysanthemums, baby’s breath, dahlias and asters.

Jasmine and gardenia produce powerful fragrance that may also produce allergic reaction.

If you are allergic to flowers and their pollens, you may experience sneezing, cough, itchy throat, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and hoarseness of voice.

If you can’t avoid having flowers in your homes or offices, choose the female types because these don’t produce pollens. Or those that produce very little pollens.

Among the flowers that don’t produce pollens or if they do, are only in minimal amount, are cactus, iris, tulip, begonia, crocus, hydrangea, chenille, lily, clematis, petunia, columbine, daffodil, hosta, dusty miller, pansy, geranium, impatiens, periwinkle, rose, phlox, thrift, snapdragon, salvia, zinnia, verbena and azalea.

For those who love to grow flowers but are allergic to pollens, hosta is the best choice since majority of this type is unscented and requires minimal sunlight and water so you can have many of it inside your home. Most people who are allergic to flowers usually suffer from headache due to the scent that’s why it helps if the flower is unscented.

You can also grow sunflowers that are hypoallergenic.

You cannot prevent the reproduction of flowers, or all plants in general, but you can lessen your exposure to these allergens and reduce your risk of getting allergic reactions.

One very important thing to note is to know the season or months when flowers produce pollens at its peak. You have to know the pollen count in your area before going out or before planning any outdoor activities.

When pollen counts are high, stay indoors and close all windows and doors. Use air conditioning unit inside your home and never use window fans.

Avoid drying your clothes or beddings outside to prevent pollens from sticking to them. Instead, use a dryer.

Also, never allow your pets to play outside since pollens would stick to their fur or hair. Or if this is not possible, don’t let your pets go inside your bedroom.

If you can’t avoid going outside, minimize your exposure by not going out in the early morning since this is the time when pollens are most widespread and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Upon arriving home, take a shower and change your clothes. Wash your hair thoroughly to remove pollen particles that might have stuck into the follicles.

---  

Joel Escol is an online media professional, Internet Entrepreneur and Network Builder. He has an allergy problem so that he shares to this blog how to properly treat allergy while you will have also the opportunity to earn money online. Joel is now earning $1000 per month online.