MOOSE, Wyo. — According to Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), visitors this time of year should be aware of the amount of pine tree pollen present in the park and the potential adverse effects.
Lodgepole pine trees and other cone-bearing trees are pollinated by the wind, GTNP says, and gusts are currently blowing clouds of yellow pollen that then settle across the landscape. The pollen can be visible on other trees in addition to cars, roadways, tents and more.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, pine tree allergy symptoms include a runny nose with or without sneezing and congestion, itchy and tearing red eyes, bags under the eyes and coughing.
Unfortunately, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says the common belief that eating local honey helps with allergies is not true, since very little of the common pollen allergens would make it into honey for consumption.
