Table of contents:
1- What is pollen allergy?
2- Symptoms of pollen allergy
3- Prognosis of pollen allergy
4- What are the causes?
5- How is pollen allergy diagnosed?
6- Can it be prevented?
7- How is pollen allergy treated?
What is pollen allergy?
Pollen are tiny grains that are usually present in flowers and plants and contain the sperm cells that allow the flowers to reproduce. Pollen looks like a yellow powder when it is inside the flower, but once in the air it disperses and is invisible.
Pollen allergy occurs when the body detects this substance as a harmful agent or allergen, and the immune system reacts to it by secreting a series of substances such as histamine, which causes the annoying symptoms of allergy. This allergy presents seasonal peaks, since the presence of pollen in the air is much higher in spring.
Symptoms of pollen allergy
A pollen allergy sufferer may have one or more symptoms. The most common are the following:
- Itchy eyes, swelling, redness of the eyelids and tearing.
- Sneezing.
- Allergic rhinitis: congestion and runny nose.
- Tiredness and intense fatigue.
- Sleeping problems.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Bronchial asthma: this symptom occurs in 40% of pollen allergy cases. It usually affects the lungs and causes breathing difficulties.
Prognosis of pollen allergy
In most cases it is usually an allergy with mild consequences, i.e. it only causes discomfort in the nose and sometimes in the eyes. In general, the symptoms are those of rhinoconjunctivitis, characterized by a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, redness of the eye, discomfort with light and intense tearing.
However, in some people it causes more severe symptoms, affecting the eyes and the respiratory system. In some patients, pollen allergy can cause bronchial asthma, making breathing difficult.
Causes of pollen allergy
The main cause of allergy is the exposure of the organism to the allergen, which in this case is pollen. Of all the flowers, the one that causes most allergies is that of grasses, since their pollination process is very long and they are flowers that are widespread throughout the territory.
The specific cause of the reaction to an allergen is unknown and can appear at any time of life. In addition, in many cases there is a genetic component.
How is pollen allergy diagnosed?
The diagnosis of any type of allergy is usually complex. However, in the case of pollen allergy, it is usually sufficient to evaluate the person’s medical history.
Some of the tests that are usually performed to verify a suspected pollen allergy are skin tests, during which the allergens are recreated on the skin and the reaction is observed. In addition, a blood test can be performed, with which the amount of antibodies can be determined.
Can pollen allergy be prevented?
In general, the onset of an allergy cannot be prevented, but its symptoms can be prevented by avoiding exposure to the allergen as much as possible.
In this case, to avoid exposure to pollen, the following measures can be taken: avoiding stays in the countryside and taking a shower or changing clothes after having been outdoors. It is also important to maintain proper and constant hygiene of the hands and face, clean the home frequently, keep windows closed and the environment moist, and protect the eyes with sunglasses.
The main symptoms are itchy eyes and sneezing.
itchy eyes and sneezing
Treatment of pollen allergy
Treatment for pollen allergy should be prescribed by a specialist allergist, and will usually consist of antihistamines and decongestants to prevent the allergic response of the immune system and thus reduce symptoms.
On the other hand, in some severe cases, treatment by injections or immunotherapy may be necessary.