Hay fever: pollen allergy

Definition

An allergy describes an excessive reaction of the body to so-called allergens. In the case of a pollen allergy, the immune system reacts to the pollen dust from grass, trees and shrubs. It is also referred to as allergic rhinosinusitis, since the hypersensitivity causes inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes.

causes

The body recognizes the pollen as supposedly harmful and directs itself against the allergens with an allergic inflammatory reaction. Due to the formation of antibodies, the same symptoms occur with every new contact.
It’s not entirely clear why some people become allergic to pollen and others don’t. The allergy usually lasts for life, but can be subject to hormonal fluctuations. For example, the symptoms can decrease during pregnancy or with increasing age, or they can only appear at an advanced age. In principle, an allergy of this kind can occur for the first time at any age.

symptoms

The type and severity of the symptoms depend on various factors. On the one hand, the pollen content in the air plays a role. This can vary from region to region and also depends on the season and the weather. On the other hand, it depends on which type of pollen the allergy is directed against. You can find a pollen count calendar for your region on the Internet, for example, or ask your doctor.

Seconds to minutes after contact with pollen, the body reacts with various symptoms:

• itching , skin redness
• Allergic rhinitis : runny nose with clear secretion, sneezing
• Allergic conjunctivitis : redness of the eyes, itching and tearing
• Allergic bronchial asthma : Difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the airways
• fatigue

The allergic symptoms can sometimes lead to anaphylactic shock. This can lead to dizziness, a rash, difficulty swallowing or even circulatory failure. In this case, an ambulance should be called as soon as possible, as the swelling in the throat can obstruct the airway.

Atopy

In general, allergy sufferers often belong to the group of so-called atopics. These patients not only have a tendency to develop allergies, they sometimes also suffer from other complaints:

• Bronchial asthma
• Atopic dermatitis/neurodermatitis
• Food allergy (nuts, soy, egg, wheat, milk protein, shellfish, fruit, etc.)

Diagnosis and doctor consultation

With a few questions about your symptoms and the course of the disease over time, the doctor will make the diagnosis. It is also possible to use simple skin tests such as the prick test to find out which pollen your allergy is directed against. The allergens are introduced into the upper layer of the skin and a small inflammatory reaction with swelling is awaited.
Caution is advised if you have severe symptoms despite taking prescription medication, or if you notice difficulty breathing or coughing. In that case, you should see a doctor urgently.

therapy

Some nasal sprays are available for nasal symptoms. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, doctors and pharmacists recommend various preparations, some of which require a prescription. Eye drops provide relief from red and itchy eyes. It is also possible to take so-called antihistamines. They can significantly alleviate the symptoms, but can sometimes lead to pronounced side effects such as tiredness

For several years there has also been the possibility of so-called hyposensitization . It is also known as specific immunotherapy. The causative allergen is injected under the skin at regular intervals to get the body used to its harmlessness. The therapy lasts about three years and requires regular visits to the doctor and a high level of discipline on the part of the patient.

How can allergies be prevented?

• Pregnant women are advised to eat a healthy diet (including fish) and to avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
• At best, infants are breastfed, alternatively fed with formula food.
• If allergies are already known in the family, various hypoallergenic infant formulas are available.
• Avoid keeping furry pets such as cats.

What can you do yourself against hay fever?

• Try to stay in nature as little as possible during the pollen season.
• When you get home, change your clothes and take a shower. This is the best way to get rid of the pollen dust.
• Don’t hang your clothes outside to dry.
• Install a pollen screen in the window frame.

Pollen allergy in children

Young children rarely have a pollen allergy. The disease usually occurs for the first time when the child reaches school age. Children experience the same symptoms as adults and often benefit from the same medications as adults. Nevertheless, a visit to the pediatrician for diagnostics and initiation of therapy is worthwhile. For some children, the problems go away as they get older.

Kreuz allergy

Sometimes a pollen allergy causes a so-called cross allergy. In this case, components of the food act as allergens and trigger an allergic reaction. This is manifested by burning and itching in the mouth, throat, nose and ears. An allergy to birch pollen, for example, can cause an intolerance to nuts or apples.

How can Med-Healths help?

Do you have any questions? Would you like to speak to a doctor about your symptoms? You can use the Med-Healths app to reach a doctor at any time who will help you. He can tell you if you have a pollen allergy. He can also give you prescriptions to alleviate your symptoms. There is also the possibility of sick leave if you are severely restricted by the symptoms.