Late summer is the time for weed pollen, and one of the worst culprits is sagebrush. This shrub-like weed grows in tough conditions and its pollen is blown by the wind, meaning sagebrush lives in lots of places.

Because it is ‘wind pollinated’ it is also considered a ‘severe allergen.’ You don’t have to touch it or come in direct contact with it for it to be very painful and frustrating to allergy sufferers. If you’re allergic to sagebrush and find yourself near it in the fall, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Eye allergies like itchy and watery eyes
• Headaches caused by other allergy symptoms and pollen
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• coughing and throat irritation

If possible, avoid sagebrush during the late summer and fall. Since this often isn’t possible, be sure to use the following suggestions to prevent severe reactions to Sagebrush pollen.

Keep windows closed, if possible. Also, be sure to shower after being outdoors around sagebrush pollen. Consider using over the counter allergy medications or nasal sprays. Keep your outside times to early mornings and evenings, when pollen counts tend to be lower.

If you’re traveling to places where sagebrush is more prevalent (the Colorado mountains, for instance, or even Utah), be sure to take all of your allergy medications with you.

If you need help or are interested in trying allergy shots or drops for your allergy symptoms, contact us! We’d love to help.