Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. He calls it pollen allergy, hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Every spring, summer, and autumn, plants secrete small pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions comes from trees and grasses. These plants produce small, light and dry pollen grains that move with the wind.

Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. He calls it pollen allergy, hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Every spring, summer, and autumn, plants secrete small pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions comes from trees and grasses. These plants produce small, light and dry pollen grains that move with the wind.



You can check which pollen is common in which period according to the pollen calendar of the region you live in. You can take your precautions by checking whether you have allergies according to seasonal common pollens. Tree pollen is concentrated in March-April in spring, meadow pollen is concentrated between April-June, and grass pollen is concentrated in August-September. In general, herbs are the most common cause of allergies. The amount of pollen in the air is lower on cold and rainy days, while it is more intense on hot, dry and windy days.

What are the symptoms of pollen allergy?

Although the symptoms of pollen allergy vary from person to person, usually one or more of the following, or sometimes all of them, can be seen:

  • Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sneezing
  • Sinus pressure, which can cause facial pain,
  • Itchy, watery, red and swollen eyes
  • Scratchy throat,
  • Headache, migraine attack
  • Cough with or without phlegm
  • Skin redness and irritation
  • Swollen, bluish-colored skin under the eyes,
  • Decreased sense of taste or smell
  • Gas in the stomach, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Increased asthma reactions.

40% of people with pollen allergy may develop sensitivity to allergens contained in some fresh vegetables and fruits. These people describe itching, swelling of the tongue and lips, and a feeling of tightness in the throat.

What should be done to prevent pollen allergy?

  1. During the pollen season, the person is hypersensitive to other allergens and stimulants. Be careful with your cleanliness, heavy odors, tobacco smoke and the like.
  2. Pollen density is highest between 05:00 and 10:00 in the morning. Therefore, be careful not to be outside as much as possible during these hours.
  3. Take care not to be outside, especially in hot and dry weather. High pollen is present in dry and windy weather. The best time to be outside is after a heavy rain.
  4. Try to do your physical activities when pollen is least concentrated.
  5. Avoid airing your home when pollen is at its peak, from morning to early evening.
  6. Avoid drying your laundry outside in the middle of the day. Pollen adheres easily to the laundry.
  7. Do not wear the clothes you wear outside inside the house, they may have pollen on them.
  8. Clean the air filters frequently.
  9. Wash and dry your hair before going to bed.
  10. Sunglasses can reduce eye discomfort. Wear a face mask when pollen is high in cases of severe allergies.
  11. Choose times and places on vacation when pollen and mold aren’t plentiful

How is pollen allergy diagnosed?

Prick test and blood tests are generally used to diagnose pollen allergy. Blood tests can also be applied in children in whom the prick test cannot be tolerated or in cases where the prick test cannot yield results. By examining the sample taken from your blood, the level of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood is measured. The diagnosis of pollen allergy is made by a pediatric allergist in children and an allergist in adults.

How is pollen allergy treated?

Your allergist may recommend that you take certain medications based on your symptoms and current health condition. Some of the drugs used in the treatment of pollen allergy are sold without a prescription. However, it will be beneficial for you to consult with your allergist before using any of these drugs. The medicine you take without consulting your specialist may cause negative results.

Antihistamines are available in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal congestion.

Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve nasal congestion.

Nasal corticosteroids are a type of nasal spray. It reduces inflammation in the nose and prevents allergic reactions. They are the most effective type of medication for allergic rhinitis because they can reduce all symptoms, including nasal congestion.

Many people with pollen allergies can’t get rid of the drugs completely. In these cases, immunotherapy treatment can be applied. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that can help prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions. It can alter the course of allergic disease by altering the body’s immune response to allergens.


Tags: