Types of Allergens Plants make pollen. The pollens that can
cause allergies are usually from trees, grasses, or weeds. These
pollens are small, light, and dry, so the wind easily picks them
up and carries them, often for long distances. Flowers also make
pollen, which is spread by insects. Usually, only a little
flower pollen gets into the air. So people usually do not have
symptoms from this kind of pollen. The pollen count measures the
pollen in the air. When this number is high, you will be more
likely to have an allergic reaction if you are allergic to
pollens. Windy, dry weather often results in a high pollen
count, while damp weather lowers it. During the allergy season,
TV stations, newspapers, or medical centers report local pollen
counts. If you have allergies, find out where the pollen counts
are advertised so you can avoid pollen when the counts are high.
You may also look up the National Allergy Bureau's website for
pollen count information at
www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=reading_charts. The exac