Allergy season delayed by drought and winter

The sneeze-and-wheeze season will be slightly late this year, according to a Massey University academic who tracks pollen production.

Hay fever sufferers and other people allergic to plant pollens have been given a short respite, said pollen researcher David Fountain.

The associate professor of plant biology said the annual arrival of Pinus radiata pollen had been delayed by last summer's drought and the cold winter temperatures.

"Pine pollen is expected within a week or so in most parts of the North Island ... and a few weeks later in many parts of the South Island," he said.

But he said that this year many deciduous trees were beginning to shed their pollen before the arrival of the pine pollen.

Among these trees were alders commonly planted as street trees, and hazelnuts, both of which had pollen that was potent in triggering hay fever or even asthma attacks in people with allergies.

Hay fever, known as allergic rhinitis, affects about 30 per cent of New Zealanders, high by world standards.

Another early pollen shedder, the yellow-flowered wattle, could also be a problem for some people, but trees such as birches, poplars, oaks and elms had distinct pollen seasons after the pines.

By October, the grass pollens would take over, and dominate the hay fever scene when they peaked about Christmas.

Professor Fountain said the MetService was about to start a series of pollen counts, using Massey information and sponsored by a drug company promoting hay fever medications.

Waikato Asthma and Respiratory Society spokeswoman Shona Bramley said pollen counts would be useful to people with allergies.

People tended to be more sensitive to the smaller grass pollens but rain after a dry spell often caused the larger tree pollens to fragment into tiny particles small enough to be inhaled and irritate the lungs.

- NZPA