Do you often get allergies? Let's talk about this 'Pollen Count'!

Do you sometimes experience symptoms like a runny nose, constant sneezing, and red, itchy eyes? Some people think this is just a common cold. But sometimes the cause of this can be something different than you think. That is the allergy, or allergy, caused by 'pollen' that we are talking about today. Let's see what this is, why it happens, and what we can do about it.

What is this 'pollen'?

Simply put, pollen is a very fine, powdery substance that plants release into the environment during the reproductive process, that is, when seeds germinate. It's like stamens. These float in the wind. This pollen can come in three main types.

1. Pollen from trees: Some trees in our country, for example, some fruit trees, release pollen into the environment when they bloom. This pollen can travel long distances on the wind. So even pollen from a tree that is not in your garden can affect you.

2. Pollen from grasses: Although there are thousands of types of grass, only a few types of pollen cause allergies. This pollen is released into the air more often when the grass is cut or on windy days.

3. Pollen from weeds: Some weeds that grow along roadsides and in vacant lots also produce pollen that causes allergies.

So what is 'pollen count'?

A 'pollen count' is a measure of how much pollen is in the air in a particular area at a given time. This is usually measured in grains of pollen per cubic meter of air. A higher value means that someone with allergies is more likely to experience symptoms.

This pollen count is categorized into levels of low, medium, high, and very high. This varies for each pollen type.

• A high level means that many people who are sensitive to pollen may experience symptoms.
• A Very High level means that symptoms will occur in almost everyone who is sensitive to the pollen.

How does pollen cause allergic rhinitis?

An allergy is when our immune system mistakenly identifies something that is not actually harmful to our body (in this case, pollen) as an enemy, an invader.

Imagine this pollen getting into your nose. Your immune system thinks, "Okay, here comes an enemy, we need to fight now." To prepare for this fight, your body's cells release chemicals called histamines .

This 'histamine' is responsible for many of the symptoms we experience when we have an allergy.

• Frequent sneezing
• A watery liquid is flowing from the nose.
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• Eyes are red and teary.

What is the treatment for this allergic condition?

If you continue to have these symptoms, the best and most important thing to do is to see your family doctor. Do not self-medicate. The doctor will examine your symptoms and determine whether this is truly an allergy to pollen or if there is another cause.

Here are some treatments a doctor might typically recommend.

• Oral Antihistamines: These pills work by blocking the action of the aforementioned 'histamine'. For example, medications like Cetirizine and Loratadine can be given. Taking these can help control symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing.
• Nasal Sprays: These are very effective for nasal congestion and runny nose. Some sprays are more effective when used before symptoms appear.
• Decongestants: These are used as a temporary solution to nasal congestion. But remember, using decongestant nasal sprays for more than a few days at a time can make symptoms worse. So use them only as directed by your doctor .
• Nasal Rinse: Using a Neti pot or a special bottle available at pharmacies, you can rinse the inside of your nose with saline solution. This will help remove pollen and mucus that is stuck in your nose.
• Allergy Shots: This is a longer-term treatment. This is called 'Allergen Immunotherapy'. What you do here is inject your body with very small amounts of the pollen you are allergic to, little by little. It's like 'unpicking a thorn with a thorn'. Over time, your body gets used to that pollen and reacts less. This should be done under the supervision of a specialist.

Practical tips to protect yourself during high pollen seasons

In addition to using medication, making small changes to our lifestyle can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by pollen allergies.

Think about these things when you go out.

• Try to avoid spending time outdoors as much as possible on windy, hot days . There is a lot of pollen in the air on days like these.
• Pollen levels are usually highest in the morning and evening. If possible, schedule your outdoor activities for the afternoon or evening.
• Be sure to shower after coming home from outside. Because pollen may be on your clothes, skin, and hair. Bathing washes it all away. Wash the clothes you were wearing too.
• If your doctor has prescribed allergy medication, take it before you go out . This will allow the medication to start working in your body before symptoms start.

How to control pollen indoors?

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible during high pollen times.
• When drying clothes, use a clothes dryer if possible rather than hanging them outside. Hanging them outside can trap pollen in your clothes.
• Clean the dust in your home thoroughly, as pollen can accumulate with dust.
• Smoke from cigarettes and wood stoves can also increase allergy symptoms, so stay away from them.

Pollen, Allergic, Allergies, Sneezing, Nasal Congestion, Itchy Eyes, Allergic Rhinitis