Posted on July 30, 2007 in Latest News
Some people develop an allergy to pollen that permeates the air during spring, summer, and fall. Pollen is tiny particles released by plants to reproduce. Some plants multiply by air pollination while other reproduce due to insect pollination. Trees, grasses, and weeds that have no flowers mostly release pollen that triggers an allergic reaction in individuals. The pollen of these plants is small, dry and light so that it can be carried by wind over large distances. Therefore, allergy -causing pollen may have come from miles away. So understanding and treating pollen allergy requires a bit of effort.
Weeds, ragweed, sagebrush, redroot pigweed, lamb’s quarters, tumbleweed, and English plantain, grasses like Bermuda grass, redtop grass, orchard grass, and sweet vernal grass and trees of oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, box elder, and mountain cedar produce allergy- causing pollen. Contrary to popular belief, heavy, scented pollen from flowers does not cause allergy except in florist or those in close contact with flowers over a long period. It is the chemical make-up of pollen that causes an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of pollen allergy
Pollen allergy triggers hay fever in many individuals. It causes a runny nose and watery eyes along with sneezing. The person experiences itching and accumulation of mucous. It is the single biggest cause of hay fever. Some people may experience asthma and wheezing. The allergy can last for hours or days on end. The allergy can be seasonal or round the year if the allergen is present in the vicinity throughout the year.
Mechanism of pollen allergy
Pollen grains contain a chemical that binds to the antibodies, Ig E. This antibody is bound to the mast cells in the mucous membrane of the eyes throat, lungs and nose. This stimulates the body to produce histamine and other mediators that cause swelling in the body. The first exposure to the pollen leads to a sensitization and the next time there is exposure to pollen, it causes an allergic reaction. This interaction leads to development of allergic symptoms mentioned above.
Prevention of pollen allergy
Avoiding pollen
One does not know exactly when plants pollinate. Pollination depends on the weather, temperature and other the length of the day or night, so pollen count predictions are hard to make. The weather also determines how far the pollen will travel. However weather reports do give days of heavy pollen count. So it is best to stay indoors on those days. Pollen counts are maximum in the morning on warm, windy days and low during damp, cold days.
Treatment of pollen allergy
You can take anti-histamine for a mild allergy and a combination of anti -histamine and nasal sprays to relieve congestion for moderate allergy. For long-term prevention you must take allergy shots in consultation with your doctor. It is advisable to start treatment when you suspect an allergic reaction for better control. For this you need to keep an allergy diary to learn to recognize the onset of the allergy.
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