What is Pollen Allergy and What are the Symptoms?

With the change of nature in spring, pollen allergy, also called spring allergy, causes many problems in people. Symptoms of pollen allergy include burning and red eyes, runny nose and nasal passages, burning and tickling sensation in the throat. These complaints, which manifest themselves with coughing and even shortness of breath, can often be confused with upper respiratory tract infections.

What is Pollen Allergy? What are the Symptoms?

Pollen allergy is called hay fever, spring allergy or seasonal allergic rhinitis. A person reacts allergically to some pollen. Reactions such as rhinitis (colds), conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis), asthma or hives can be observed against pollen that occurs in spring. Reactions only occur at certain times of the year and in other months the person usually feels fine. Pollen allergy is rare in childhood. It is most common in people between the ages of 18 and 25. This is because a certain age is required to complete some reactions in the body. Symptoms of pollen allergy can be listed as follows;

1. Nasal congestion: The nose starts to itch and run, nasal congestion occurs and the person sneezes.
2. Itchy watery eyes and change in skin tone: Swelling under the eyes, and watery and swollen eyes. Pollen allergy causes skin discoloration. The person's skin takes on a bluish tint.
3. Asthma: Asthma is also seen in some people during the period ofpollen allergy . People with allergic asthma also have asthma reactions more frequently.
4. Sinus pressure: When air and mucus cannot move freely between the nose and sinuses, mucus accumulates in the sinuses and pressure increases. During the period of pollen allergy , sinus pressure causes facial pain.
5. Dry throat and cough: Pollen allergy can cause a dry throat and coughing attacks.
6. Taste or smell problems: Pollen allergy can cause problems with taste and smell. As a defence mechanism, allergic noses render the nose imperceptible and a process of numbing occurs in the areas inside the nose to prevent reactions to the allergenic substance. The body shows its allergic response as a whole. With the arrival of spring, pollen allergy begins to show its effect in some people. In fact, the body reacts in this way to protect itself. The release of a substance called histamine increases in the body and the vessels dilate, mucous membranes swell, and coughing occurs. In this way, these allergen molecules are sent out of the body. However, symptoms such as dry throat, runny and itchy nose, red eyes, coughing make the person restless and negatively affect their daily life.

How is pollen allergy treated?

It is possible to end pollen allergy with correct and effective treatment methods. There are multiple medications available for the treatment of pollen allergy. Nasal and eye drops, allergy medications, inhaled medications (antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists) can be used for medical purposes in consultation with a specialist in the treatment of pollen allergy. A period of 1-2 weeks must elapse for the medication to have an effect on the body. If the medication is used regularly, the person can feel the positive effect. This also applies to periods when allergy reactions disappear when pollen density is low.