Depending on what area of the country you live in, pollination dates will vary from region to region for the same plant species. In addition, different plant species have different cycles. In some areas of the country there may be year-round pollen allergens. If you have allergies, you should take the time to do a little botanical investigation of your neighborhood, as well as determine the plant pollination cycles typical to your area of the country. By understanding these cycles, you may be able to minimize your allergy suffering.
Pollen enters the nose or eyes and lands on mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
Mucous membranes contain mast cells coated with IgE antibodies that function in the body's immune system. When the mast cells of allergy prone patients are exposed to pollens, the antibodies cause the release of histamines from the cells. Mold Mold spores, or microscopic fungal spores, can have the same reaction in allergic patients. Molds are parasitic, microscopic fungi without stems, roots or leaves. Because the spores are so small, they are also easily dispersed by the wind, and can invade the upper respiratory tract in the same way pollens do.