Pollen Allergies

Pollen is a substance that occurs in trees, flowers, weeds and plants. Pollen allergies are at peak between April and August. This is when flowers, plants, trees and weeds develop a grain which creates pollen. If you live in a region that has cold climates than pollen will not be as big of a problem in the winter and fall months, but if you live in a region that has mostly warm weather all year round, you may be more susceptible to pollen exposure, especially in the spring and summer seasons.

Allergy Symptoms

Pollen allergy symptoms usually consist of a runny nose, watery eyes, hives and pressure in the nasal area, and may also include an itchy sensation in the eyes, nose and roof of mouth. People who have asthma may have a more severr reaction to pollen such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

How to Avoid Pollen Allergies

Rather than opening windows during warm weather, run the air conditioning. You can also try to avoid going outdoors on windy days because pollen is carried through wind. Also if you are exposed to pollen, take a shower or bath to wash off the pollen. If you have asthma keep an inhaler on you at all times to avoid an allergic reaction.

Ways to Relieve Asthma Symptoms

Eye drops can alleviate discomfort from red or itchy eyes. Antihistamines can be used before exposure to outdoors to reduce the itchy feeling caused by the pollen allergen. Decongestants can help relieve stuffy noses.

Treatment of Pollen Allergies

Treating pollen allergies can be difficult. Doctors must be sure that the patient does in fact have pollen allergies and not a different type of allergy, like food allergies. If the doctor can identify the specific allergy type, they can give allergy shots. The treatment of pollen allergies can take as little as a few months to treat or several years of treatment, depending on how well your body responds to the allergy shots.

Source:

FamilyDoctor.org