Are you also bothered by pollen? (Pollen Allergy) - Let's talk about this!

When spring comes, and the trees are blooming and looking beautiful, some people start to experience minor problems. Things like runny noses, sneezing, and red, itchy eyes. Have you experienced any of these? If so, this may be something important to you. You may be suffering from a pollen allergy without even realizing it.

What is Pollen Allergy?

Simply put, a pollen allergy is an allergic reaction in our body to tiny particles called pollen that are released by flowering plants, trees, grasses, and weeds. Pollen is a fine yellow, sometimes white, powder. These are what help the plants spread their seeds, that is, reproduce. Imagine how easily these tiny pollen particles floating in the wind can enter our nose, eyes, throat, and lungs!

If you have a pollen allergy, your body's immune system - the system that protects us from disease - thinks that pollen is a dangerous invader, like a germ. So, to fight this "enemy", our body produces various chemicals, for example , histamine . That's when the allergy symptoms - sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes - appear.

These pollen allergies usually occur at certain times of the year. That is, they are most common when trees are in bloom and producing pollen. For example, in some countries, pollen comes from trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. However, in countries with a warm climate like ours, some plants produce pollen all year round, so these symptoms can occur at any time of the year. This is sometimes called 'Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis' .

Why do we get allergies like this?

This is actually a small misunderstanding of our body's immune system. Normally, our immune system is very good at recognizing real enemies (like germs) and fighting them off. But in someone with a pollen allergy, the immune system mistakenly perceives even harmless pollen particles as dangerous.

Imagine, what's happening here is like disturbing an innocent guest who comes to your house, thinking that your security guard is a thief.

That stress releases chemicals like histamine, causing symptoms like a stuffy nose, red eyes, and itching. This can also be hereditary. That means if someone in your family has allergies like this, you are more likely to develop them too.

What are the types of pollen and how do they affect us?

There are three main sources of pollen that cause pollen allergies: trees, grasses, and weeds. Depending on where you live, the seasons when these produce pollen can vary.

Tree pollen

Tree pollen is usually the first to start causing problems in the year. In Western countries, this is most prevalent in the months of March, April, and May. However, in countries like ours, some tree species can produce pollen almost all year round. Many people develop allergies due to the pollen of trees such as Birch, Oak, and Cedar . However, in Sri Lanka, the pollen of our local trees can be the cause.

Grass pollen

Grass pollen allergies occur in late spring and early summer. Sometimes this can coincide with the tree pollen season and the weed pollen season. Grass pollen is very light, so it can be carried long distances on the wind. This means that you can also get an allergy from the grass in your neighborhood. Although grasses such as Bahia, Bermuda, Fescue, Johnson, and Kentucky blue are said to be the main allergens, other grasses in our country can also be affected.

Weed pollen

Weed pollen, especially ragweed , is the third leading cause of pollen allergies. These are present from summer to fall. Ragweed is a very common weed that causes allergies. Just think, a single plant can produce about a billion pollen grains! So it's a bit difficult to avoid it. Other weeds like burning bush, cocklebur, and lamb's quarters also cause allergies.

How common is this condition?

This pollen allergy is something that affects millions of people around the world. It is said that about 20 million people in the United States alone suffer from it. Many people in our country also suffer from this problem, and may not even know that they have a pollen allergy.

How do you know if you have a pollen allergy? What are the symptoms?

See if you have any of these symptoms:

• A watery discharge from the nose (not like a cold, this is a bit watery).
• Nasal congestion is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe.
• Frequent sneezing, sometimes several times in a row.
• Swelling around the eyes, puffiness, and sometimes dark circles under the eyes.
• Redness of the eyes, tearing, and itching of the eyes.
• Itching sensation in the throat, eyes, and inside the nose.
• Cough, sometimes a dry cough, or a feeling like a sore throat.
• If you have asthma, pollen can make it worse. This is called 'allergic asthma' .
• Rarely, the sense of smell and taste may be reduced.

Most people get these symptoms from breathing in pollen in the air, but some people can have a reaction to touching the pollen or getting it in their eyes.

How do you accurately diagnose this as an allergy? (Diagnosis)

If you have these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, how often they occur, how severe they are, and whether anyone in your family has allergies like this.

Then, several tests can be done to confirm whether it is a pollen allergy:

1. Skin Prick Test: In this test, an allergist places a small amount of different pollen on your skin (usually your arm or back) and pricks it with a fine needle. Within 15-20 minutes, if you are allergic to that pollen, the area will become red, swollen, and a small blister will appear, similar to a mosquito bite, and it will start to itch.

2. Specific IgE Blood Test: This is a simple blood test. It checks for a specific type of antibody (called IgE) in your blood that your immune system makes against certain types of pollen.

These tests can also help you find out which types of pollen you are allergic to.

What is the best treatment for this?

The good news is, there are good treatments for pollen allergies! The treatment that's right for you will depend on the severity of your allergy, your symptoms, and your overall health.

Medications

There are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription, as well as medications that a doctor prescribes to reduce these symptoms.

• Antihistamines: These are often the first medications used. Examples include Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) , Loratadine (Claritin®) , and Fexofenadine (Allegra®) . These work by blocking the action of the aforementioned chemical histamine in the body. They come in the form of tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays.
• Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids: For example , fluticasone (Flonase®) and mometasone (Nasonex®) . These reduce swelling and inflammation in the nose. These should be used daily for best results.
• Decongestants: These reduce nasal congestion. Examples include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE®) . However, these should not be taken for more than a few days, as some people may experience side effects and may experience rebound congestion. These are not suitable for people with conditions such as high blood pressure.
• Antihistamine and decongestant medications: For example , Loratadine/Pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D®) .
• Leukotriene Inhibitors: For example , Montelukast (Singulair®) . These come as pills and can only be taken with a doctor's prescription. They work by blocking a chemical called leukotriene, which causes swelling and narrowing of the airways during an allergic reaction. They are also used for people with asthma.
• Medications for people with asthma: Your doctor may prescribe inhaled or oral bronchodilators and inhaled steroids.

Important: If your symptoms don't improve within a week or two with over-the-counter medications, be sure to see a doctor. He or she can prescribe a stronger medication that's right for you.

Allergy Shots - Immunotherapy

This is also called 'immunotherapy' . This is a long-term treatment. These injections work by gradually changing the way your immune system responds to the allergen (i.e. pollen) over time. You start with a very small amount of the pollen you are allergic to and gradually increase it over a series of injections. This helps your body "get used to" the pollen. This can even help some people completely eliminate their allergies. These injections are always given under the supervision of a doctor.

Lifestyle changes

Although it's impossible to avoid pollen completely, you can reduce your exposure to it by making small changes to your daily routine.

• Try to stay indoors on days when pollen counts are high. Pollen levels are highest especially in the morning (around 5 am to 10 am) and on windy, dry days.
• Keep windows closed, especially during high pollen times. Use air conditioning or a fan to cool down. Clean the air conditioning filter regularly.
• Wear a dust mask when you go outside. An N95 mask is best. Wearing a hat and sunglasses can also help reduce the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes.
• It would be great if you could use an air purifier with high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) at home, especially in the bedroom.
• When you return from a day out, take off your clothes quickly, put them in a separate place, and wash them as soon as possible. Do not bring those clothes into the bedroom.
• If you've spent time outdoors, take a shower and wash your hair as soon as you get home, especially before going to bed, because pollen may be on your clothes, skin, and hair.

Can you prevent a pollen allergy?

In fact, there is no way to 100% prevent a person from developing a pollen allergy. This is because it is related to genetic factors. However, as mentioned above, by reducing exposure to pollen and getting proper treatment, you can reduce the occurrence and severity of symptoms.

How do I take care of myself? (Self-care)

Living with a pollen allergy can be very annoying at times. But don't worry. You can get a lot of relief by following these tips:

• Be aware of pollen levels: Many websites and weather apps now provide information about daily pollen levels. Reduce your exposure to the elements on such days.
• Keep your home clean: Vacuum your home regularly (preferably with a HEPA filter). Dust with a damp cloth.
• Wash your bedding frequently: Wash your bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week.
• Take care of your pets: Your pet may have pollen in their fur when they come in and out. Clean them frequently and limit their access to the bedroom.
• Take the medicine prescribed by your doctor on time. Even if your symptoms subside, do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. If you have any side effects, tell your doctor whether your symptoms have subsided or not.

When should I see a doctor?

It's a good idea to see a doctor if you:

• If you think you have symptoms of a pollen allergy.
• If there is no improvement after a week or two of taking the medicine you buy from the pharmacy.
• If the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily activities or sleep.
• If you have other respiratory diseases such as asthma and if allergy symptoms increase.
• If the medication causes side effects.

Remember, allergies don't have to be a burden. You can find relief with proper treatment.

Finally, some important things to remember

Pollen allergies can be a real nuisance. It can be frustrating when you miss out on the beautiful flowers and the opportunity to enjoy them outside. But if you keep these tips in mind, you can live with the condition successfully:

• Pollen allergy is common, but don't let it control your life. With proper management, you can live with it well.
• Identify your symptoms. Pay attention to when and how they occur.
• It is very important to seek medical advice. Rather than self-treating, get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from a doctor.
• Use your medications correctly. Also, taking small steps on days when pollen levels are high (like keeping windows closed, wearing a mask when you go out, and taking a shower when you get home) can help you get a lot of relief.
• Don't worry, you're not alone. There are millions of people around the world who are living successfully with this condition. You can too!

I hope you have gained a better understanding of Pollen Allergy from this article. Stay healthy!

` Pollen Allergy, Allergies, Nasal Congestion, Sneezing, Itchy Eyes, Seasonal Allergies, Histamine, Immunotherapy