Pollen Allergies
Overview
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Pollen is a very fine powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds to fertilize other plants of the same species. It’s also one of the most common causes of allergies in the North America.
Many people have an adverse immune response when they breathe in pollen. The immune system normally wards off illness by defending the body against harmful intruders, such as viruses and bacteria.
In people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the harmless pollen as a dangerous intruder. The immune system begins to produce chemicals including histamine to fight against the pollen.
This is known as an allergic reaction, and the specific type of pollen that causes it is known as an allergen. The allergic reaction leads to numerous irritating symptoms, such as sneezing, a stuffy nose, and watery eyes.
Some people have allergy symptoms year-round, while others only have them during certain times of the year. For example, people who are sensitive to birch pollen usually have increased symptoms during the spring when birch trees are in bloom. Similarly, those with ragweed allergies are most affected during the early fall. (Healthline)
Common Symptoms of Pollen Allergies:
Symptoms of pollen allergies can range from mild to severe and can vary depending on the amount of pollen in the air and the person’s sensitivity to it.
Some common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Ear congestion
Treatment for pollen allergies typically involves a combination of medication and avoidance measures.
- Antihistamines can be taken to relieve symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
- Decongestants can also help to relieve congestion.
- Nasal corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can be effective for people with severe pollen allergies.
Looking at your nutritional intake is also always a good place to start, as what we consume influences the foundation of our health.
Avoidance measures can also help to reduce pollen exposure and prevent symptoms. Some tips for reducing pollen exposure include:
- Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, usually in the morning and early evening.
- Keep windows and doors closed during pollen season.
- Use air conditioning and a HEPA filter to help remove pollen from the air.
- Wear a pollen mask when doing outdoor activities.
- Wash clothes and shower after being outside to remove pollen from hair and skin. (ChatGPT)
Other Common Allergies
Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative (CHI) approaches may include:
Explore the Research
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