Pollen Allergies: Types, Symptoms & Treatment

What is a Pollen Allergy?

Pollen is a fine powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds. These Pollen fertilize other plants of the same species. In this, our immune system mistakenly identifies the harmless pollen as a dangerous intruder and begin to produce chemicals to fight against the pollen. A pollen allergy is also called as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Types of Pollen Allergies

Birch Pollen Allergy: It is one of the most common airborne allergens during the spring. A single birch tree can produce up to five million pollen grains, with many traveling distances of up to 100 yards from the parent tree.

Oak Pollen Allergy: It is mildly allergic and stays in the air for longer periods of time.

Grass Pollen Allergy: It causes the most severe and difficult to treat symptoms and it occurs during summer months.

Ragweed Allergy: It is most active in the late spring and fall months and its wind-driven pollen can travel hundreds of miles and survive through a mild winter.

Symptoms

• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• A runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Scratchy throat
• A cough
• Swollen
• Decreased sense of taste or smell
• Increased asthmatic reactions

Diagnosed

Pollen allergy can be diagnosed with skin prick test.

Treatment

Medicines such as antihistamines and decongestants are given. Allergy shots are given if medications are not enough to ease symptoms.

Prevention

Stay indoors on dry and windy days

Wear dust masks when pollen counts are high

Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high.