Hay Fever: Pollen Allergies

During its pollination period, a plant will release microscopic particles called pollen into the air. These pollen grains will attach to the pistil of another plant and fertilize it, thus creating a new plant. Unfortunately, people often inhale this reproductive marvel which triggers a pollen allergy, also known as hay fever. The pollens that are common allergens are grasses (Timothy, Kentucky blue, Johnson, and Bermuda), trees (Elm, Oak, Hazel, Birch, and Ash), and weeds (Ragweed, Sagebrush, and Redroot).

An allergy is the hypersensitive response of the immune system when an allergen enters the body. While allergens are relatively harmless, the immune system over-reacts and sends antibodies to attack the allergen. These antibodies also attach to the mast cell, which spews histamine into the blood. Histamine will inflame the veins and cause the common allergy symptoms like a runny nose, itchiness, and rashes.

Preventing Hay Fever

The simplest way to avoid hay fever is to avoid airborne pollen. The pollen count, amount of pollen in the air, is generally lower in the Northern United States compared to the Southern United States. You can find your local 5-day pollen-count forecast on pollen.com. You use this just as you would a weather forecast; stay inside when local pollen levels are high, and go out when levels are low. Also, stay inside on dry, windy days.

If you have been outside all day, shower before going to bed to remove the pollen from your hair and skin. Instead of keeping your windows open, invest in an air conditioner to keep the pollen out of your house. Air filterers can also trap and lock in pollen spores.

If you have severe allergies, think about getting allergy shots. This is a procedure called immunotherapy. The doctor will give you tiny doses of the allergen (not enough to cause a big reaction) and increase the dose over time. Your body will slowly become accustom to the allergen and no longer produce allergic reactions. Expect to go to the doctor at least once a week for 4-7 months.

Fighting the Symptoms

Antihistamines-these will reduce the symptoms of allergies by blocking the mast cell from producing histamine. It is best to use before the allergens enter your body, but will stop to further release of histamine as well.

Decongestants- they come in different forms, most commonly nose sprays and pills. The fast-acting nose sprays will cause the mucus in your nose to clear up or drain. These can only be used for a set number of days because your body can become dependent on them.

Eye Drops- there are natural and chemical eye drops for your red, allergy eyes. The chemical drops seem to dry out my eyes after repeated use and some have a restriction on amount of use. These will rid you of your red, itchy, and watery eyes.

Corticosteroids- synthetic versions of cortisone, a steroid hormone, can be used in people with severe allergic reactions.

Pollen Count Forecast, pollen.com

How to live with Allergies, eHow Health

Allergy and Pollen FAQ, NPARU

Pollen, Wikipedia