Pollen Allergy: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Pollen is one of the most common seasonal allergy triggers and it is commonly referred to as “hay fever” by many people. Also, it is commonly refers to as “seasonal allergic rhinitis” by experts.

For people who are allergic to pollen, the immune system misidentifies the harmless pollen as a dangerous intruder. It begins to produce chemicals in order to combat pollen. Also, it refers to an allergic reaction, and the pollen that causes it is refers to as an allergen.

TYPES

Below are the types of Pollen Allergy;

BIRCH POLLEN ALLERGY

During the spring, birch pollen is one of the most common allergens in the air. When the trees bloom, they release tiny pollen grains that are dispersed by the wind. A single birch tree can produce up to 5 million pollen grains per year, with many of them traveling up to 100 yards from the parent tree.

GRASS POLLEN ALLERGY

During the summer, the grass is the most common source of pollen allergies. It is responsible for some of the most severe and difficult-to-treat symptoms. However, according to the AAAAI reports, allergy shots and tablets can be extremely effective in relieving symptoms of grass pollen allergies.

RAGWEED POLLEN ALLERGY

Among weed pollens, ragweed plants are the most common cause of allergies. They are most active in the late spring and early fall. However, depending on where you live, ragweed can start spreading pollen as early as the last week of July and last until the middle of October. Its wind-borne pollen can travel hundreds of miles and endure a mild winter.

SYMPTOMS

People with pollen allergies only have symptoms when the pollens they are allergic to are in the air. Symptoms include:

nasal congestion
sinus pressure, which may cause facial pain
runny nose
itchy, watery eyes
cough
swollen, bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes
decreased sense of taste or smell
increased asthmatic reactions
scratchy throat

TREATMENTS

The best way to treat pollen allergy is to avoid allergen however, it is difficult to avoid.

Below are some list to minimize the allergy;

staying indoors on dry or windy days
having others take care of any gardening or yard work during peak seasons
wearing a dust mask when pollen counts are high
closing doors and windows when pollen counts are high
antihistamines - either prescribed or over the counter at a pharmacy
decongestants - either oral or as a nasal spray
nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce symptoms in the nose - either prescribed or over the counter at a pharmacy