Pollen Allergy: Symptoms and Treatment

Pollens are fine spores that are produced by plants for the purpose of reproduction. In other words, we can say that pollens are used for production of seeds. The pollens that are responsible for causing allergy are mostly produced by those plants who do not bloom showy flowers. The most common types of pollen that cause allergy are - grass pollen, tree pollen, weeds, fungi and molds. Their pollens are carried from one place to another by winds. Whether a pollen can cause an allergic reaction or not is determined by its chemical composition.

Causes
Externally, pollens are not harmful to our body. However, when pollens enter our body through the nose, the immune system treats it like a harmful germ. The body releases antibodies to counter these foreign substances. Due to the discharge of antibodies, some cells in our body tend to release a strong chemical substance known as histamine. This is responsible for causing an allergic reaction within our body.

Symptoms
The symptoms of pollen allergy can be seen only during the pollinating period of the allergic pollens. Pollen allergy affects only those people who are pollen-sensitive. The symptoms of pollen allergy varies in different individuals. Due to secretion of histamine, expansion occurs in the blood vessels of the nose, and some fluids are released which lead to swelling of the nasal passage and congestion in the nose. It also induces itching and swelling. It can cause choking of the voice or muscle spasm which leads to tightening of the throat and lungs, just like in asthma.

Therefore, the common symptoms that are most frequently observed are - excessive sneezing, choked nose or runny nose, itching in the eyes, nose and throat, tears in the eyes, etc. There are some other symptoms that are less common, like - conjunctivitis or pink eye (a condition where the membranes of eyelids swell up which reddens eyes), allergic shiners (formation of dark circles under the eyes due to restriction of blood flow in the sinus area), headache, difficulty in concentration, sleeping problems, etc.

Treatment
Any medicine administered for the treatment of pollen allergy needs some time before signs of improvement can be seen. A variety of drops, both for the eyes and nose as well as nasal sprays are available that can bring about some respite. The use of eye drops can give relief to itchy eyes. Antihistamine nasal drops counter the effects of histamine and reduces sneezing and itching.

Some tablets with antihistamine components are available that are effective in reducing the frequency of sneezing, itching sensation of the mouth and throat, and may stop tears in the eyes. In case the allergy has taken a severe turn, strong medicines like steroids would need to be taken under the prescription from a physician. Steroid-based sprays and drops may bring down the inflammation and unblock the nose. This is the best option available to get some quick relief.

Immunotherapy is a unique form of treating pollen allergy. Doses of allergic pollen is administered on the patient for a given period of time. The medicine comes in the form of a pill and the patient needs to keep it under the tongue. It should be taken everyday for a prescribed time period. Studies have shown that this treatment is highly effective if it is continued for a few years. It has very few negligible side effects that can be overlooked.

Pollens of colorful flowers can also cause pollen allergy, but this only happens to those people who come in contact with these flowers very frequently, like gardeners and florists. This is because pollens of these flowers are heavy and are not blown by winds.