Allergy Plants. Allergies Disease of the immune system Caused by common everyday organism not foreign microorganisms About 20% of the US population suffers.

Allergy Plants

Allergies

Disease of the immune system Caused by common everyday organism

not foreign microorganisms About 20% of the US population suffers

from allergies over 50 million people Most common are hay fever (allergic

rhinitis) and asthma

IgE Antibodies and Mast Cells

When allergenic protein attaches to IgE, it causes changes to the mast cell

Mast cell releases many chemicals like histamines, leukotrienes, prostaglandins,etc

Chemicals cause the allergy symptoms of respiratory allergies: hay fever or asthma intestinal symptoms of food allergiesskin allergies - eczema or dermatitis

Mast Cells

Hayfever Most common form of allergy In US, 35 to 40 million people afflicted Typical symptoms include sneezing, runny nose,

nasal congestion, watery and itchy eyes, itchy ears

Strongly linked to sinusitis, ear infections, nasal polyps, and asthma

We spend $2 billion annually on medication

Airborne Allergens

Outdoor Allergens Pollen Fungal Spores

Indoor Allergens Fungal Spores Dust mites Cockroaches Animal Dander

Hay Fever Plants

Produce abundant quantities of lightweight pollen that is dispersed by wind

Pollen can remain airborne for extended periods and often be carried long distances

Majority settles out close to their source Most important hay fever plants grow close

to human populations

Wind Pollinated Flowers

Flowers small and inconspicuous often an inflorescence

Often lacking sepals and petals; no nectar

Pollen small, dry, light, and abundant

StigmaStigma

OvaryOvary

Pollen Seasons in Tulsa

Trees -- Spring pollen starting in early February through May - greatest levels

Grasses -- Primarily May and June but some continuing all summer

Weeds -- August through October with ragweed the chief culprit One ragweed plant can release 1 billion pollen 1 million tons/year in North America

Tulsa Tree Pollen Season

Red cedar Elm Maple Hackberry Cottonwood Sycamore Birch

Oak Ash Mulberry Pecan Willow Pine Walnut

Oak Pollen - Most Abundant

Short Ragweed-Ambrosia artemesiifolia

Giant Ragweed - Ambrosia trifida

Giant Ragweed

Juniperus ashei

Juniperus ashei = Mountain cedar Arbuckle Mts of Oklahoma (500,000 acres)

Edwards Plateau of Texas Highly allergenic (cedar fever in Texas)

Tulsa allergist reported 15% patient sensitivity

Mid-winter pollination (Dec. and Jan.) Before the local tree pollen

Evidence of pollen in Tulsa atmosphere

Distribution of Juniperus ashei