The Effects of Pollen on Health

When the pollen count is heavy, many people suffer from itchy eyes, a runny nose and/or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching and sometimes respiratory problems such as asthma. These symptoms could be due to a pollen allergy. Typically called hay fever, the medical term is allergic rhinitis.

How Pollen Causes Symptoms

Pollen is inhaled into the nose and throat and the body experiences an immune response that results in the suffering and misery of hay fever. Mast cells are released that create histamine. The histamine causes the symptoms of pollen allergy.

Relief From Symptoms

Some people find relief from their pollen allergies by taking over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. Non-sedating antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritan may keep symptoms at bay without the accompanying sleepiness with regular antihistamines. A doctor can prescribe a nasal steroid spray that over the long-term help with the nasal stuffiness

Pollen Allergy Testing

But if symptoms persist, some people need the help of an allergist and allergy shots.
An allergist uses two types of allergy tests: a blood test and a skin test to determine how severe the pollen allergy is. The allergist will typically give a skin test, but some patients have skin problems and require a blood test instead. If the patient's pollen allergy is severe, he may need to take a series of allergy shots (immunotherapy) to improve their immune response to the offending pollen. There are many types of pollen, including tree and grass pollens, and ragweed pollen. Once the allergist determines the offending pollen, an allergy shot will be prepared with this substance.

Allergy Shots for Pollen

The allergy shots will be administered over a period of months. The small amount of the pollen in the allergy shot helps the body to develop antibodies to the pollen and build a resistance to it over time. When this happens, the symptoms will lessen and the patient will no longer suffer from the misery of hay fever. The relief should last a very long time.

How to Avoid Pollen

People with pollen allergies should avoid exposure to pollen. Here are a few helpful tips to avoid pollen:

Stay indoors and keep windows closed during high pollen counts.
Wash hair before going to bed at night to avoid sleeping in pollen that accumulated in the hair during the day.
Dry laundry inside rather than outside where it can accumulate pollen.
Let someone else cut the grass and do yard work.
Take vacations at the beach rather than in the mountains where there is an abundance of pollen.
Make sure outdoor pets are bathed before coming inside, and distributing pollen on carpets and furniture.

References

• Spring Allergies; American Academy of Allergy and Immunology
• American College of Allergy and Immunology: Ragweed Pollen