In the spring months, pollens found densely in the air can cause allergic discomforts. Pollen allergy, with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and redness in the eyes, particularly affects children. So, what should be done against pollen allergy (spring allergy)? Can propolis help reduce the symptoms of pollen allergy?
What is Pollen Allergy?
Hay fever, or as it is otherwise known, pollen allergy, is the result of immune cells responding to harmless stimuli. In simple terms, symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and swelling of the skin emerge due to the imbalance of the immune system.
The natural way to prevent symptoms is to balance the immune system through healthy eating and dietary supplements. Of course, alongside this, minimizing pollen entering the body through the mouth and nose and changing lifestyle (especially in spring) is also very important.
An allergy is an excessive reaction given by the immune system to substances that are not normally harmful. These reactions can occur throughout the body or only in certain specific areas (nose, throat, and eyes).
If the allergic symptom is in the eye, it is called conjunctivitis, if it is seen in the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat), it is called allergic rhinitis, and if it occurs in the lungs, it is called asthma.
Pollen is the dust particles released by plants for reproduction and spread in the air by the wind. Pollens are one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. It is commonly known as hay fever and its medical name is ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis.’
Discomfort that manifests itself with symptoms such as runny nose, itching in the nose, nasal congestion, tearing and redness in the eyes, especially starting from the spring months, is called pollen allergy or seasonal allergic rhinitis.
From every spring season onwards (some plants in autumn and summer months), plants spread their pollen grains in dust form around to reproduce. Pollen particles spread by the wind cause pollen allergy symptoms in people with allergic reactions.
Pollen particles freely circulating in the air stick to the nose, throat, and eyes through respiration and accumulate there. Pollen allergy symptoms begin to be seen after this stage.
Symptoms of Pollen Allergy
Pollen allergy symptoms are mostly similar to upper respiratory tract diseases such as flu and cold. Pollen allergy symptoms especially manifest themselves in seasons when pollen is most abundant (spring, autumn, and summer).
The symptoms show themselves throughout the season and can make you feel sick, tired, and exhausted.
If pollen allergy symptoms are present, it is essential to consult a specialist doctor. It should not be forgotten that untreated pollen allergy can lead to allergic asthma.
Symptoms of pollen allergy include:
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Redness and itching of the eyes
- Sneezing
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Cough
- Headache
- Itching in the nose area (especially in children)
- Sleep irregularities, insomnia
- Itching in the palate and throat,
- and most importantly, allergic asthma
If pollen allergy symptoms last less than 4 days or shorter than 4 weeks, it is called ‘intermittent allergic rhinitis’; if it lasts more than 4 days or longer than 4 weeks, it is called ‘persistent allergic rhinitis.’
Pollen allergy can be seen in people of all ages. However, it is most commonly found in children of developmental age. There is also a genetic link to pollen allergy in children. Almost 50% of people with pollen allergy have a family history of allergies. This rate is higher in children whose parents have allergic rhinitis.
According to research, children with pollen allergies in both their mother and father show signs of pollen allergy before the age of 10 in 68% of cases; and before the age of 20 in 85% of cases.
Other Causes of Pollen Allergy
Pollen allergies can be caused by both genetics inherited from the family and environmental factors. In addition, air pollution, smoking, keeping pets at home, and giving ready-made food to babies before the age of 1 can be factors.
What Happens If It Is Not Treated?
Pollen spread by trees, plants, and grasses can affect the nose and eyes. In this case, symptoms similar to upper respiratory tract diseases appear. Symptoms include watering and redness of the eyes, runny nose and itching, nasal congestion, throat itching, burning sensation in the throat, and sneezing.
These symptoms negatively affect the quality of life. Especially in children, sleep and eating routines can be disrupted. Concentration can be impaired, resulting in decreased school performance. Irritability can occur due to headaches, sneezing, and eye itching.
If pollen allergy is not treated, it can lead to sinusitis, otitis, and asthma.
What Should Be Done Against Pollen Allergy?
It may be possible to reduce the symptoms with some simple measures you can take against pollen allergy. The first and most important step against pollen allergy should be to get a doctor’s advice. Additionally, an allergy test should also be done to determine which type of pollen the allergy is against.
On the other hand, attention should be paid to the morning and noon hours when pollen circulation is most intense. Especially in spring and summer months, one should avoid going outside in open sunny weather.
- During the allergy season, prefer indoor spaces for social activities
- Wear hats and glasses
- Change your clothes after coming from outside because pollen can stick to your clothes
- Take showers frequently
- Keep the doors and windows of your house closed during the hours when pollen is abundant
- Definitely get a doctor’s advice and take your medications regularly
- Masks can be used against severe symptoms
- Stay away from smoking and environments where smoking occurs
- Stay away as much as possible from grass and floral environments
