Pollen Allergy
Pollen is very fine powder that comes from trees, grasses, flowers and weeds. Wind and birds carry this pollen from plant to plant to fertilize them. When people who have a pollen allergy inhale the pollen, they get allergy symptoms. The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are produced by the plain-looking plants (trees, grasses, and weeds) that do not have showy flowers. These plants manufacture small, light, dry pollen granules that are custom-made for wind transport.
Depending on where you live, your individual sensitivity may differ dramatically. If a person lives in a geographic area that has hot, dry, windy days, then there is more of a chance that pollen is in the air.
Ways to reduce Pollen exposure
- Close your windows and outside doors.
- Avoid using window and attic fans during pollen season. Use air-conditioning to cool your home.
- Don’t allow pets that spend time outdoors in your bedroom. They can bring in pollen on their fur.
- Roll up your car windows when driving.
- Do not picnic in parks or in the country during the pollen season.
- Dry clothing and bedding in the dryer. Don’t hang them outside.
- Shower when you arrive home and bathe your eyes frequently with a wet washer
Treatments
- Antihistaminesare effective at treating mild cases of pollinosis, this type of non-prescribed drugs includes loratadine, cetirizine and chlorphenamine.
- Decongestantscan be administered in different ways such as tablets and nasal sprays.
- Allergy immunotherapy(AIT) treatment involves administering doses of allergens to accustom the body to pollen, thereby inducing specific long-term tolerance.
