What is pollen? Does it bother you too? Let's talk about it in detail!

Do you also sneeze frequently at certain times of the year, especially during the spring or during certain times of the year? Do your eyes get red and itchy? Do you feel like your nose is blocked? The cause of this problem may be something you don't even think about. That is pollen. So today we will talk about what this pollen is, why it only bothers some people so much, and what we can do to get rid of this condition.

What exactly is pollen?

Simply put, pollen is a very fine, powdery substance produced by plants. You may have seen the yellow or white powdery part of some flowers. That's what pollen is. These are the male gametes of plants. That is, this pollen is very important for the development of new plants and seeds.

Just think, these tiny pollen grains are the future generations of plants, helping to grow new trees, flowers, and fruits. These are so small, sometimes we can't even see them. But these little things can cause big problems.

Pollen is produced by various types of plants.

• Large trees (e.g. some types of trees like mango and kohomba)
• Types of grass (the grass in our gardens and along the roads)
• Weeds (some types of weeds, for example, the plant called `(Ragweed)` is famous in Western countries)

The pollen from each of these is not the same, and its size and shape can vary.

How does pollen get into our bodies? When is it most abundant?

The main way pollen gets into our bodies is through the wind. Wind-pollinated plants are the main culprits in causing these allergies. Because the pollen from these plants is very light, even a light breeze can carry it a long way. So it gets into the air and enters our bodies through our nose and mouth when we breathe.

The pollen of flowers that are pollinated by insects after drinking nectar is usually sticky and heavy. It doesn't travel very far in the wind. Therefore, it is less likely to cause allergies.

Pollen season:

Pollen is not present in the environment at the same rate throughout the year. There are times when it is more abundant.

• Spring: This is the time when most of the pollen is released from trees. Do you remember when you see yellow powder under the trees on the side of some roads in the spring? That could be pollen from those trees.
• Summer: During this time, pollen is most abundant from grasses.
• Late Summer/Fall: Some wildflowers release pollen at this time.

These periods may vary slightly from country to country, depending on the climate. In Sri Lanka, this pollen problem may increase during the flowering periods of certain plants.

You've probably heard of the 'pollen count' . It's a measure of how much pollen is in a given volume of air. It can be higher in the morning, on windy days, and during dry weather. On a rainy day, the pollen count drops because the pollen washes to the ground.

Why does pollen only bother some people? – This is allergy

Now you're probably thinking, "Everyone breathes in this pollen, so why am I the only one suffering from it?" The reason is something called allergies.

Simply put, an allergy is an overactive immune system in our body. Normally, our immune system works to protect us from germs, bacteria, and viruses that can cause illness. However, when pollen enters the body of someone with a pollen allergy, that person's immune system mistakenly thinks, "Oh, what a dangerous thing I've got in my body!"

Then, to fight this "dangerous invader," some cells in our body release chemicals like histamine . Those chemicals are what cause the symptoms we talked about earlier, like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

This is not your body's fault, nor is it a sign that you are weak. Some people's systems react this way to certain things (pollen, dust, certain foods). There may also be a genetic influence that runs in families.

What are the symptoms of a pollen allergy?

Pollen allergy is commonly known as hay fever or medically known as allergic rhinitis . The symptoms can vary slightly from person to person. However, the most common symptoms are:

• Frequent sneezing: It is normal to sneeze several times in a row.
• Runny nose or stuffy nose: Sometimes one side of the nose is blocked and fluid can drain from the other side.
• Itchy eyes, nose, throat, and earlobes: This is a very annoying symptom.
• Red eyes, watery discharge, and tearing.
• Postnasal drip: This can cause a constant sore throat and coughing.
• Cough: Especially a dry cough.
• Dark circles under the eyes: This is also called ``allergic shiners.'' It is caused by swelling of the blood vessels around the nose.
• Severe fatigue, exhaustion, and a feeling of lifelessness.
• Some people may get a headache.

Although one or two of these symptoms may be present, sometimes all of them can occur at once. Some people confuse them because they are similar to the symptoms of a common cold. However, a cold usually subsides in a few days, but pollen allergies can last for the entire pollen season.

How does pollen affect people with asthma?

If you or someone you know has asthma , you need to be extra careful during pollen season, as pollen is a major asthma trigger .

When someone with asthma inhales pollen, theirThe airways become more sensitive, swollen, and narrow, which can lead to increased asthma symptoms.

• Increased coughing (especially at night or during exercise)
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing, feeling like you're suffocating (Shortness of breath)
• Chest tightness

Therefore, if you have both asthma and pollen allergies, it is very important to use the prescribed treatment exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Get special advice from your doctor about how to control your asthma during the pollen season.

How do you know for sure if you have a pollen allergy?

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, and if they only occur at certain times of the year, you may have a pollen allergy. But the best way to be sure is to see a doctor.

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, how often they occur, and whether anyone in your family has allergies. In addition, they may do some tests to find out the exact cause of your allergies.

• Skin Prick Test: This involves placing a small drop of various types of pollen (and other allergens) on the skin of your hand or back and then pricking the skin with a very small needle. It feels like a mosquito bite. If you are allergic to that type of pollen, within 15-20 minutes, the area will become slightly red, swollen, and blister like a mosquito bite. This can quickly tell you what you are allergic to.
• Blood test (Allergy Blood Test / IgE test): In this, a blood sample is taken from you and a laboratory tests whether your body has produced a special type of antibody (IgE) against certain types of pollen. The presence of more of these antibodies means that you are likely to be allergic to that substance.

The doctor will determine whether you have a pollen allergy by considering the results of these tests and your symptoms.

What can we do to reduce the problems caused by pollen?

The good news is that there are many things we can do to reduce the discomfort caused by pollen allergies.

1. Try to stay away from pollen as much as possible:

• Stay indoors on high pollen days: Try to avoid going outside as much as possible, especially in the morning (usually between 5-10 a.m. when pollen is most prevalent), on windy, dry days. If you can see the ``pollen count'', stay indoors on those days.
• Keep windows and doors closed: Keep windows and doors closed during pollen season, especially when the pollen count is high.
• Use an air conditioner: If possible, use an air conditioner. Don't forget to clean its filters regularly.
• Consider an air purifier: Using an air purifier with a good HEPA filter can reduce the amount of pollen inside your home.
• Wear a mask when going out: We all wear masks these days. It also helps reduce pollen inhalation.
• Change clothes and wash your body after coming out: Change your clothes and wash them after coming out. If possible, it is better to wash your body and head as well. Because pollen can be stuck on our clothes and hair.
• Don't dry clothes outside: Avoid drying clothes and bedding outside during pollen season, as pollen can linger.
• When traveling in the car, close the windows and turn on the AC.

2. Use of medicines as per medical advice:

Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to control your symptoms.

• Antihistamines: These are the ones that reduce symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Some of them can be purchased over the counter at the pharmacy without a prescription, but it's best to consult a doctor to choose the one that's right for you.
• Nasal corticosteroids: These reduce swelling, congestion, and runny nose. They need to be used daily, and it may take a few days to see results.
• Decongestants: These provide quick relief from nasal congestion, but they are not recommended for use for more than a few days at a time.
• Allergy Eye Drops: Helps reduce itchy and red eyes.
• For people with asthma: Use your controller inhalers exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Also, always keep a reliever inhaler handy for emergency use.

The most important thing is to consult a doctor before using any of these medications and use them exactly as they are prescribed. Don't just go to the pharmacy and buy the medication.

3. Allergy Immunotherapy / Allergy Shots:

This is a somewhat long-term treatment. Your doctor may recommend this treatment if your pollen allergy is severe and other treatments have not provided much relief.

This involves injecting very small amounts of the pollen you are allergic to into your body. It's like a vaccine. Over time, your body gradually gets used to the pollen and your allergic reaction to it decreases. This is a treatment that takes several years.

When should we see a doctor?

Although pollen allergy symptoms are usually not dangerous, they can be very bothersome at times. So be sure to see a doctor if you have:

• If your symptoms are severe and interfere with your daily activities.
• If there is no relief from regular medications purchased from the pharmacy.
• If you can't sleep, if you're too tired.
• If you have difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or feel dizzy (these could be symptoms of asthma).
• If you want to know for sure whether these symptoms are caused by pollen or something else.
• Create a treatment plan that's right for you.

Instead of just putting up with it, seeking medical advice can help you get a lot of relief. Remember, you are not alone, there are many people with allergies like this.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so we talked a lot about pollen today, didn't we?

• Pollen is a natural part of plants, but some people can be allergic to it.
• Sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes are the most common symptoms.
• People with asthma should be especially careful, as pollen can worsen symptoms.
• This condition can be controlled by staying away from pollen, taking medication as prescribed by a doctor, and sometimes getting allergy shots.
• If you are very concerned about these symptoms, don't be afraid to see a doctor and seek advice.

Pollen is nothing to be afraid of. But if you are aware of it and take the necessary precautions, you can stay healthy and worry-free during this "pollen season." If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask your family doctor or an allergist.

` Pollen, Allergy, Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, Sneezing, Pollen Allergy, Sinhala medical article