Pollen allergies develop in humans due to the natural reproduction for plants which is done through pollination with the help of the wind. Often, pollen allergies are referred to as ‘hay fever’ because people noticeably suffer from them during haying season, but a pollen allergy can happen in spring, summer or fall because various plants pollinate at different times of the year. Symptoms can vary depending on general climate and how severe the reaction is to different types of pollen. Pollen allergies can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are very similar to other types of allergy symptoms like those that are noted with pet dander and mold.
Generally, the symptoms of pollen allergies include itchy eyes and skin, a stuffy nose with the possibility of nosebleeds. Sometimes this leads to trouble breathing. Often headaches are included in the list of symptoms, as are sore throat and dark circles under the eyes. Symptoms can also include coughing and wheezing as well as asthma attacks. Increased congestion is a frequent symptom, along with sneezing and runny nose. Feeling tired and weak or drowsy is one of the more common symptoms. However, sometimes food allergies are mistaken for pollen allergies.
Some of the differences include rashes and hives in food allergies in addition to itchy skin, or not just sneezing, but watery eyes and an itchy throat at the same time. Food allergies can also cause nausea, burping, vomiting or diarrhea, where usually pollen allergies do not. Sometimes food allergies increase allergic asthmatic reactions to dust and mold and make them worse without the symptoms being obvious right after eating the food.
Pollen allergies are the main allergies in the United States, especially during the seasonal allergy months, which are spring and summer. Wintertime is usually less of a problem for allergy sufferers, but there are still some plants that release pollen in the middle of winter. Because the symptoms often mimic other types of allergies, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to determine exactly what kind of allergy you are suffering from so that you can get proper treatment. Though you may want to, you really can’t diagnose yourself, and may try to treat one allergy with the remedy for another, which usually doesn’t work. All in all, pollen allergies are suffered by many people, and there are various effective treatments to help, but you should visit an allergy specialist to be evaluated and properly treated for the specific type of allergy you may have.
Archive
Posts Tagged ‘Seasonal Allergy’
Jan
11
Mar
27
Every year millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergy. However, a certain percentage of those who suffer from seasonal allergies dismiss it as chronic cold. To better understand this, we need to define and differentiate it from the common cold.
Unlike colds that occur during winter or usually when there is a sudden change in temperature, allergies are caused by allergens. This causes an allergic reaction on the bodily function of a human sensitive to that particular allergen which is not experienced by the average individual.
Allergic rhinitis can be classified as perennial and seasonal. Perennial allergies happen any time of the year as long as the individual is exposed to the allergen such as house dust mites and pet dander. Seasonal allergies on the other hand happen at the same time every year or during particular seasons, hence the term. These are caused by pollens of flowering plants which are transported thru the air during the process of pollination.
When a person has colds, he starts to sneeze then later begins to have runny and congested nose. Sneezing is less common after the initial phase. If one has allergies, symptoms happen at the same time. Sneezing is more frequent coupled with runny nose and watery eyes. Itching of the nose and eyes are particularly bothersome in allergies. In several cases though, this develops into allergic rhinitis and asthma. And unlike colds that usually last from 7 to 10 days, allergies continue until the person is no longer exposed to the allergen.
Ragweed allergy, also known as fall allergy or hay fever, is the most common seasonal allergy. This occurs from mid August until October. About 75% of allergic individuals develop become allergic to ragweed pollen. Ragweed thrives in vacant lots and roadsides. Studies also mentioned that that most of those allergic to ragweed also develop allergic reactions to other pollens. Thus it is not surprising that they develop allergic symptoms during spring and summer when pollen grains from flowering trees and grasses are present in the air.
The nasal discharge of people who have colds is usually yellowish which means that it is caused by an infection. Sometimes colds are also accompanied by fever. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies do not usually have fever, and since it is not caused by any viral or bacterial infection, the nasal discharge is clear and watery.
Whether the sickness is caused by a cold or is a sesonal allergy, it still takes a toll on one’s health. In both cases there is a loss in appetite and sleeping problems also occur that disrupts how a person conducts his normal activities. Prevention is still the cure. Proper information too helps in the diagnosis of the ailment so that the appropriate medication can be taken.
Mar
17
Transition between seasons can shake your kids’ health a bit and make them more prone to seasonal allergies. These allergic reactions vary from ragweed allergy, mites, dust, mold, and some foods. It is often very hard to keep track of allergies symptoms with children who may catch it in school or while they are playing outside.
Studies have shown that allergic reactions may be hereditary. In case both parents have allergies, there is a about an 80% chance that their children will develop allergies too. Most children show symptoms of seasonal allergies once they reach 5 years olds. Asthma is often an indicator of allergies and often start to show when they are between 1 to 3 years old.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergy
Parents can look for three kinds of symptoms when they suspect that their kids are suffering from seasonal allergy:
* Nasal – They will have stuffy or runny nose, sneeze a lot, and have itchy nose and throat. Just like allergic rhinitis.
* Eye Symptoms – There is often redness, itchiness, and watery eyes which can make your kids really uncomfortable.
* Asthma – Watch if your kids will have difficulty breathing or when you hear some wheezing or coughing.
Tree pollens, grasses, and ragweed often cause these allergic reactions. Tree pollens are very abundant in the air between April and June. Grasses like Rye, Timothy, and Orchard trigger reactions when they are mowed. Ragweed grows almost everywhere and billions of pollens can travel in the air starting mid-August.
Protect your children from seasonal allergies
Parents should always keep track of the level of pollen in your city or region. These indices can be found on the internet and are seen on TV reports.
It will be best to keep your doors and windows shut during the pollen season to prevent these allergens from entering your home.
You can also set up a play pen inside your home instead of kids spending time outdoors where they can be exposed to ragweed and other allergens. The sun can also aggravate their photosensitivity when they have ragweed allergy.
Remember to keep all surfaces clean of dust. You can get an air filter to make sure that your kids breathe clean air.
In case they still catch seasonal allergies, you can try the following to relieve them of the symptoms:
* A warm bath always helps. You can also apply warm compress to decongest their nose and sinuses.
* Encourage them to drink a lot of water throughout the day. A cup of tea with honey can also soothe their itchy throat.
* Tell your kids not to scratch their eyes since this will just worsen the condition. Try to apply cold compress to decrease inflammation or wipe them with wet cotton pads.
* A dab of petroleum jelly can help with their red or swollen nose
* Add some ginger, garlic, or pepper when you serve a bowl of soup. These are natural decongestants to clear their airways.
* You can dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in a glass of water which your kids can use to gargle with to relieve their sore throats.
Allergies can be fatal when you do not do something about it. Seek the guidance of your pediatrician if your children will need some medications for their allergies.
Mar
04
As fall kicks off, the statistics for allergic reactions go sky high. About 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergy caused by ragweed, mold, pollen, and other substances. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology plots 20% of the U.S. population need to combat allergies symptoms on a regular occurrence while another 20% deal with hypersensitivity to food, stimuli, or environmental stuffs.
Ragweed allergy may look so simple but a lot of people cannot sleep, work, and do their daily routines because of coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Here are some tips which can help you breathe more comfortably during the allergy season:
1. Eat healthy. Make sure that your diet will be rich in Vitamin C which can boost your immune system and acts as a naturally antihistamine. You can also take about 1000 mg of Vitamin C on a daily basis to shield yourself from ragweed allergy and other seasonal allergies. Omega-3 rich food like flaxseed, salmon, and walnuts will also help.
2. Magnesium can also help to ease your breathing. About 400 mg is ideal according to immunologists. You can also try to irrigate your nostrils with a squirt or two of salt water to help remove trapped allergens and excess mucus. Horseradish, hot mustard, and chili pepper on your favorite dish can also serve as temporary decongestants.
3. Wear sunglasses when you go out. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis brings with it some photosensitivity. The sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the sun and prevent excessive watering and itchiness.
4. Cold packs will be useful when engage in sports or other outdoor activities. Apply the cold pack to your eyes and your face and it can help a lot in reducing the inflammation.
5. Drink a lot of water. Re-hydrating your body throughout the day will help you cool down and relieve you of the allergic symptoms.
6. Stay away from dairy products. As much as they are really enjoyable, dairy products will trigger your body to produce more phlegm and just worsen your symptoms.
7. When taking a shower, use the bathroom exhaust fan to prevent the growth of molds. It is also advisable to replace your shower liner every month especially when you have mold allergies or if you have asthma.
8. Make sure to regularly clean the dryer vents which often accumulate dust. Regular cleaning of surfaces in your house will help decrease allergic reactions. Getting rid of clutter is also another key to prevent seasonal allergy.
9. Consult your doctor so you can be tested for any food allergies. Most often than not, people who have allergies are also sensitive to some foods that they usually take. Some people who are allergic to birch pollen, for example, also react to potatoes, carrots, and apples. Ragweed allergy is also aggravated if you do not react well to a glass of milk.
10. Get an air purifier good enough to filter particles which are about 20 microns or smaller. Pollens and allergens are about that big so making sure that you have clean air passing through your system will be a big help. Running the air conditioner just to decrease humidity may also reduce allergy symptoms.
Every allergic reaction stresses our immune system. Find out what allergens cause you trouble so you can avoid them, modify your lifestyle, and protect yourself from these seasonal allergies.