Do you have a pollen allergy? Do you quickly get flu and start sneezing whenever the weather is changing? If you want to know what is pollen allergy, this article will help you in managing this allergy.
Pollen allergy is commonly known as “hay fever” by many people, and pollen allergy is frequently referred to as “seasonal allergic rhinitis” by Health experts. Plants produce and release tiny pollen grains in the spring, summer, and fall to fertilize other plants of the same species. Trees, weeds, and grasses have the majority of pollens that cause allergic reactions.
What Is Pollen?
Pollen is a fine powdery particle that is usually yellow. It is produced in the anther, a structure on the end of the stamen (the male reproductive part of the flower), and its purpose is to fertilize other plants of the same species. Pollen grains must be transferred from the anther to the female stigma of another plant for pollination to occur. This procedure generates seeds containing genetic information for new vegetation.
Pollen primarily falls and spreads in the spring, summer, and fall. You may have noticed a powdery yellow substance coating your vehicle. The primary culprits are grasses, trees, and weeds, which produce small, light, and dry pollen, making it easily dispersed by the wind. Plants with brightly colored flowers, on the other hand, have large, waxy pollen that bees and other pollinating insects transport between plants.
Many people look forward to spring because of the warmer weather, longer days, and blooming flowers and trees. However, this season can be excruciating for the more than 26 million Americans who suffer from allergic rhinitis, including pollen allergies.
What Is Pollen Allergy?
The immune system usually defends the body against harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria to prevent illness.
In people who are allergic to pollen, their immune system identifies the harmless pollen wrongly as a dangerous intruder, and it begins to produce chemicals to combat pollen. This is referred to as an allergic reaction and the pollen that causes it is referred to as an allergen.
Read: Why Visit To Islamabad Should Be Avoided If You Have Pollen Allergy?
What Are The Pollen Allergy Symptoms?
The following are the most common pollen allergy symptoms:
- Congestion in the nose
- Sinus pressure, which can result in facial pain
- Itchy, watery eyes due to a runny nose
- Cough, scratchy throat, swollen, bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes
- Asthmatic reactions were exacerbated by a decreased sense of taste or smell.
Allergies develop when pollen’s harmless water-soluble proteins enter the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have allergies, your immune system misidentifies pollen as invading germs. In an attempt to expel the pollen, your body initiates a complex process in which it produces chemicals such as histamine to irritate the nerves, resulting in itching and sneezing.
Because pollen is small, dry, and light, it can quickly become airborne and be carried long distances by wind. Pollen allergy symptoms typically worsen when hot, dry, and windy weather.
Pollen allergy symptoms differ from person to person. You may experience sneezing fits. This obnoxious reaction helps physically expel pollen from your system and serves as a warning sign that there is a high pollen count, and you should leave the area if possible. You may also have problems with your nose and eyes in addition to sneezing.
Asthma Caused By Pollen Allergies:
Pollen can be breathed into the lungs, causing asthma in some people. This may or may not be related to hay fever symptoms. Asthma symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing – whistling noise when breathing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Difficulty breathing
Pollen Allergy Diagnosis:
If you have allergic symptoms that appear at specific times of the year, you should see your doctor, who will ask you some questions about your allergic reactions. You can also talk about your symptom log. Your doctor may refer you to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist to diagnose your allergy.
Depending on the type of potential allergy, clinical immunology/allergy specialists can test for it using various methods. An allergist may use a skin prick test or a blood test for allergies to test for pollen allergies.
Management Of Pollen Allergy:
If possible, go outside when pollen release is at its lowest. Pollen allergy symptoms are most likely on dry, windy, and hot days. Pollen counts are typically lowest before dawn, rise throughout the morning, peak around midday, and fall in the early evening. You can decrease your exposure by;
- Utilizing air conditioning in your home and vehicle
- Washing clothes that have been worn outside (and drying them in the dryer, not on a clothesline)
- Purchasing a vacuum cleaner with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters
- Making use of portable air filters
- Closing all the doors and windows as much as possible.
Most allergy sufferers can reduce pollen exposure with some effort, but it is challenging to avoid it entirely. This is where medications and other treatments come in. Antihistamines can help manage many allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes by blocking the effects of histamine released by an allergy sufferer’s overactive immune system. Decongestants can also help you feel better by relieving congestion.
You can consult the best allergy specialists in Karachi for further discussion on pollen allergy. You can find and book an appointment with the best health specialists in Pakistan by dialing the number 0311-1222398 or by simply downloading the mobile app on your smartphone.
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FAQs
1. What is Pollen?
Pollen is a powdery substance produced by seed plants that helps in fertilization.
2. What is pollen allergy?
The immune system identifies the harmless pollen wrongly as a dangerous intruder, and it begins to produce chemicals to combat pollen. This is referred to as an allergic reaction or pollen allergy
3. What are the symptoms of pollen allergy?
Congestion in the nose, sinus pressure, which can result in facial pain, itchy, watery eyes due to a runny nose, cough, scratchy throat, swollen, bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes are some of the important symptoms of pollen allergy.
