April showers bring May sneezes - 4/13/2003

See those green buds on the trees? The grass that’s growing taller and greener every day?

It looks pretty, doesn’t it? "Spring is finally here," is what most people think. But for those with allergies, it’s no time to celebrate. Instead, it’s time to stock up on tissues and nasal spray.

People say that they are "allergic," that they get "hay fever." They sneeze and sniffle; their eyes are watery and they look sick all the time – even if they are nowhere near a flower, tree or grass. How can this be? Because the real enemy is pollen, and this time of year it starts floating around in the air we breathe.

Pollen is created in the flowers and buds of trees and plants. There are all different kinds of pollen. Some, like that made by the pine tree, is big and heavy. When it gets released, it falls straight down to the ground.

Other pollen, like that from grass, an oak tree or box elder, is light and delicate. So much so that when a gentle breeze comes, these molecules are picked up and dance around on the air, wandering into houses, cars, stores and of course – right into your nose.

Your nose itches. It twitches. It burns. You take a deep breath and – AH-CHOO!