Pollen Allergy : Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

What is Pollen Allergy?

Pollen is a fine powder produced by trees, flowers, weeds, and grasses to fertilize other plants belonging to the same species. Pollen is one of the most common factor leading to allergies in India. The powdery particle travels by floating in the air, inhaling which can cause symptoms like stuffy nose, coughing, and more. Our body’s immune system thinks pollen is a dangerous intruder and produces chemicals to fight off pollen leading to an allergic reaction. 

Did you know? Pollen can travel miles and each plant has unique pollen making them different in size, shape, and at times colour from the others. Pollen allergy is considered seasonal and affects people when plants pollinate and in warmer climates symptoms of pollen can start from January. 

What are the types of Pollen Allergies? 

Pollen allergy, also referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is triggered by three sources, i.e. tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen. Each of these plants pollinates at different times of the year. The different types of pollen allergies include:

• Tree Pollen Allergies:

  Tree pollen allergy as the name implies are allergies caused due to pollen produced by trees. Some species that cause the most allergy symptoms include Birch, Cedar, and Oak. Tree pollen allergies are most common during the spring when the trees are blooming & releasing pollen. 

• Grass Pollen Allergies:

  Grass pollen allergies peak in late spring and summer. Grass pollen is comparatively light and the wind can easily carry it. The most common types of grass that lead to grass pollen allergies include Johnson, Bahia, Bermuda, Fescue, and more. 

• Weed Pollen Allergies:

  Allergies caused due to weed pollen are the most around late summer and fall. The most common species of weed pollen causing allergy is Ragweed, other species include Sagebrush, Tumbleweed, Burning bush, etc. One Ragweed plant can produce 1 billion grains of pollen. 

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What are the Causes of Pollen Allergies?

Pollen allergies occur when your body mistakenly identifies pollen as a dangerous substance, further the immune system begins to produce chemicals including histamine to fight against the pollen leading to allergic reaction. When pollen produced by trees, grasses, and weeds are inhaled the overactive immune system triggers an allergic reaction causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. 

Factors like a family history of allergies or asthma, living in areas with high pollen counts, exposure to air pollution (health impact of air pollution), and a weakened immune system (tips to boost your immune system) make you more prone to pollen allergies.

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What are the Symptoms of Pollen Allergies?

• Runny or Stuffy Nose:

  The nasal passage can be congested or produce a watery discharge due to watery mucus produced by the body to trap the pollen. Additionally, inflammation of the nasal tissue leads to a feeling of a stuffy nose.

• Sneezing:

  Sneezing is another common symptom of pollen allergies. The reflex occurs when the body tries to push the pollen out of the nasal passage through sneezing.

• Itchy, Red & Watery Eyes:

  Pollen landing on the eyes can cause irritation, redness, excessive tearing, and puffiness around the eyes.

• Itchy Throat & Mouth:

  Pollen triggers in sensitive tissues around the throat and mouth, particularly the roof of the mouth and back of the throat.

• Fatigue:

  Allergy symptoms like sneezing, lack of sleep (sleep disorders & their treatment), and other allergic responses can make the body feel drained and drowsy.

• Decreased Sense of Taste & Smell:

  Pollen allergy can affect the ability to taste or smell food due to nasal congestion.

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Treatment of Pollen Allergy

Pollen allergies are treated by an allergist, a doctor specializing in the treatment of various types of allergies. The treatment depends on how severe the allergy is and determining what works best for your body. The treatment options include:

• Antihistamines

  Antihistamines help control the histamine production in the body which the body produces in response to the allergens. Taking antihistamines helps control sneezing, itching, runny nose, etc.

• Nasal Corticosteroids

  Treatment using nasal sprays helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passage.

• Immunotherapy

  Treatment involves gradually exposing the body to allergens to desensitize it resulting in long term relief from pollen allergies.

• Leukotriene Inhibitors

  Leukotriene inhibitors pills help block leukotriene which causes inflammation during an allergic reaction.

• Decongestant

  Decongestants help clean nasal congestion by shrinking and normalizing swallowed nasal passages. 

Also Read: Benefits & Side Effects of Muskmelon (Kharbuja)

How to Prevent Pollen Allergy?

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FAQs

Does pollen allergy cause fever?

No, pollen allergies are seasonal allergies and do not cause fever.

Does pollen allergy cause sore throat?

Yes, pollen allergies can cause sore throat.

How long do pollen allergy symptoms last?

Pollen allergy symptoms may appear as long as the allergen is present in the air.

Is pollen allergy common?

Yes, allergies caused by pollen are very common. 

Is pollen allergy dangerous?

Pollen allergies are usually not dangerous, though they can affect the quality of life significantly.

Is pollen allergy genetic?

Yes, pollen allergies can be genetic.