An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body to contact with one or more specific substances. According to the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, one of the most frequent is pollinosis or pollen allergy, a disorder that affects approximately 15% of the population.
This allergic disease is characterized by susceptibility to pollen and microscopic particles that come from plants, trees, and lawns. Pollinosis is characterized by symptoms that directly affect the eyes, nose, and lungs and usually occur during the spring and summer. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the symptoms and treatment of pollen allergy.
Table of Contents
Causes of pollen allergy
The allergic reaction to pollen occurs when it first enters a specific body predisposed to allergy, usually through the mucous membranes exposed to the air (eyes, mouth, and nose). To combat it, the body generates specific antibodies against this substance. These will be responsible for reacting when the pollen comes into contact with the body again, causing allergy symptoms.
Allergenic pollens are different depending on the vegetation and weather conditions. Still, they are generally more present in the atmosphere between April and July and can cause other respiratory problems such as rhinitis or asthma.
Pollen allergy symptoms
As we have said before, this allergic disease usually attacks the eyes, nose, and lungs, giving rise to different very characteristic symptoms :
- When it affects the nose, inflammation occurs that causes itching, sneezing, congestion, discharge, and nasal obstruction, Which results in an almost constant runny nose.
- If it affects the eyes, the allergy usually causes tearing, itching and conjunctivitis, very often accompanied by itching of the palate, throat, and ears. This set of symptoms is called “hay fever. “
- Finally, the inflammation can also affect the lungs causing difficulties in breathing, coughing, and a feeling of tightness.
Pollen allergy symptoms often appear more abrupt at specific times and lessen or disappear at other times. Even changes in the weather can vary the intensity of symptoms, reducing them on rainy, cloudy, or windless days and increasing them on drier, warmer, and windy days, which is when pollen moves better in the environment.
Pollen allergy treatment
It is essential to see a doctor so that pollen allergy is diagnosed for sure. Once this condition is determined, treatment will be based on avoiding exposure to pollen. The patient must be correctly informed about the type of pollen that the allergy produces and the times of the year when it is most prevalent in the air.
When we are at a time of more excellent pollination, it is better to be at home with the windows closed and use air conditioners with filters both in the house and in the car. We likely need to leave the house to perform various activities, so it is essential to follow these tips when doing so:
- Avoid the intervals between 5 and 10 in the morning and 7 and 10 at night since these are the hours when the highest pollen concentration accumulates.
- As far as possible, try not to go to gardens, parks or fields, or other spaces with a large amount of vegetation.
- Always have sunglasses on hand to help you avoid pollen contact with your eyes.
- Change your clothes when you return home, as pollen easily adheres to them. Also, remember not to hang your clothes to dry in the open air, as it is very likely that they will accumulate pollen remains that will later affect you.
- Some medications, such as antihistamines, can help relieve symptoms, but they should always be prescribed by a doctor and taken in the recommended doses.
Do not forget to maintain a robust immune system with a good diet, which will help reduce the discomfort caused by an allergy.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.