Are You Too Prone To Pollen Allergy Symptoms?

By Author: Jessica Cristina
Total Articles: 20
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Many people would experience constant sneezes along with bouts of coughs, either while having a walk outside or relaxing at home. Well, it is probably pollen that causes the immune system to react in such a way that common outdoor allergy symptoms such as sneezing and coughing show up. Read on to know more about pollen allergy and its preventive measures to keep its symptoms at bay.

Pollen as an allergen

Pollen is one of the most widely known triggers of pollen allergy symptoms. It is nothing but a very finely appearing coarse powder that is produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds. As there are all kinds of trees, grasses, and flowers found everywhere in the environment, there are many chances for pollen to be omnipresent too.

Normally, not all pollen is harmful or known to cause allergic reactions in people. However, people with pollen allergy do show adverse responses when pollen gets into their system through ...
... the breathing tract.

Pollen allergy symptoms

The immune system is designed to defend the body and ward off harmful invaders like pollen, some people may not be affected by pollen allergy.

But for others, the immune system would mistakenly treat harmless pollen as a dangerous foreign particle and produce allergic reactions to keep the pollen away. This defensive mechanism leads to various irritating common pollen allergy symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and itchy or red eyes. People with pollen allergy might also experience a runny nose or nasal congestion, scratchy throat, and swollen or bluish-coloured skin under the eyes.

Preventive measures

As pollen is easily found everywhere in the environment, it is hardly possible to get rid of them and outdoor allergy. However, with a little care and pollen allergy prevention methods, you can safeguard yourself and your family against its adverse effects. Given below are easy-to-follow preventive tips to reduce pollen allergic reactions:

● Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are above the normal level
● Keep doors and windows closed during the pollen season
● Dry clothes in a washing machine or clothes dryer instead of an outside clothing line
● Vacuum regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner
● Go for a portable HEPA filter or a dehumidifier
● Limit close contact with pets that are mostly outdoors
● Bathe and wash your hair thoroughly before going to bed

Treatment options

Normally, pollen allergy prevention methods provide relief for some time. But people with a weaker immune system tend to fall prey to allergic reactions more often. For them, the best way to treat their symptoms is to consult with a certified allergist.

Firstly, an allergist would diagnose pollen allergy by using the Skin Prick Test and/or Specific IgE Blood Test. Once diagnosed, he will suggest different ways on how to treat pollen allergies.

Some of the proven treatment options for allergy due to pollen include using histamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. In extreme cases, allergists also prescribe Allergy Shots Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy for immediate and long term relief. Self-medication could be harmful. It is best advised to seek medical assistance to curb pollen allergy symptoms.