Approximately 23% to 30% of the US population is genetically predisposed to pollen allergies. This means that their bodies automatically generate allergic responses to pollen, resulting in allergic symptoms. Pollen allergy symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

Those predisposed to pollen allergies usually begin noticing symptoms in childhood. When parents have allergies, children have a greater chance of becoming symptomatic during their lifetimes. In fact, if one parent had allergies, the child has a 25% chance of inheriting those allergies. If both parents are symptomatic, the child has an estimated 75%-80% chance of becoming allergic.