You might have observed that in each spring, summer, and fall some tiny particles are released from trees, weeds, and grasses.
These particles are called as pollen. The main aim of pollen is to fertilize the parts of other plants but they never do that.
Instead they enter into the human noses and throats resulting in a type of allergic reaction called as pollen allergies.
Pollen allergies can also be referred as allergic rhinitis, hay fever or rose fever. If you have pollen allergies then you may also experience trouble with the particles that are present all year, such as dust mites.
The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are produced by the plain looking plants that do not have showy flowers. Pollen can be able to travel many miles in the wind. So, the trees, grass, and weeds in your general area can cause allergy and asthma symptoms.
Pollen allergies are often referred to as seasonal ones. When the amount of pollen count is high in the atmosphere, allergy and asthma will occur. In the spring season pollen from trees is highest.
In fall pollen from weeds is highest. The pollen count may vary depending on the weather condition and the area where you live.
Symptoms of Pollen Allergies:
Pollen allergies are also called as allergic rhinitis or hay fever. It is nothing but an inflammation of the mucous membrane which lines the nose and sinuses.
When you inhale the pollen particles, it acts as an irritant and causes the release of the chemicals such as histamines through the mast cells in the nasal passages.
This condition turns to allergic rhinitis and produces inflammation, increased mucous secretion and a host of other symptoms that can result from pollen allergies.
- Allergic shiners – These are dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses.
- Coughing
- Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids causing red, swollen eyes
- Extreme fatigue
- Itchy eyes, nose and throat
- Itchy ears, throat and palate
- Mental dullness
- Post nasal drip
- Sneezing often accompanied by a runny, blocked or closed nose
In most of the cases if hay fever symptoms are not treated early an asthma attack will follow.
Prevention of pollen allergies:
Dealing with pollen allergy symptoms can be done by using medications which can be used for mold and other allergies. These medications include antihistamines, bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
You can also take a treatment method called immunotherapy also called as allergy shots. A series of injections with gradually increasing dosages can be given.
The extracts of various allergens are injected into the body so that you can develop a tolerance to that allergen. It is a long process and it takes 3-5 years.
You can also consider some prevention steps to control pollen allergies. They are listed here:
- In the pollen season keep the windows and doors closed, especially in the daytime.
- Don’t go outside especially during the midday and afternoon, because at that time pollen exposure is highest.
- Take a bath, wash your hair and change your clothing after working outdoors.
- Use Hepa air filters in your home especially in your bedrooms.
- Don’t dry your bedding outdoors, because pollen sticks to fabric.
Consider the preventive steps and take proper medications to control the symptoms of pollen allergies. If you are suffering with severe conditions you need to consult your doctor to take necessary treatment.
