Tiny Pollen Grains Can Cause Pollen Allergy

Summer, spring and fall are the seasons where pollen allergy is very common. In these seasons, trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen grains. These grains travel through the air to fertilize plants. However, some of the pollen grains did not reach the plants. Instead, they enter the nose and throat of the humans. In this situation, they trigger the immune system and resulted to the formation of allergic reaction.

Plants produced pollen grains. It is used for plant reproduction. Reproduction in plants can happen in two different ways. Some plants use pollen grain to fertilize its own flower. Others undergo cross-pollination. Cross pollination happens when the pollen grain is transferred from one flower to another. Insects, through feeding, contribute to the transfer of pollen grains. Some plants do not rely on insects for pollen grain transfer. Instead, they use wind for pollen grain transport. However, pollen grains that are released by weeds, grasses, and tress are the most common cause of pollen allergy. They make grains that are dry, light, and tiny which can be easily dragged by wind.

Pollen allergy causes a person to experience different kinds of discomfort. Because pollen grains are usually inhaled, it usually affects the respiratory tract. It makes the person experience sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy throat, and watery eyes.

Also, this kind of allergy aggravates asthma. It can also lead to sinus and ear infection especially in children. Though symptoms of this kind of allergy are the same with colds, a physician can still differentiate the two. Aside from the symptoms mentioned above, colds have hoarseness, fever, sore throat, and thick nasal discharge. Also, the symptoms are only present during specific seasons. Therefore, if the allergy is present throughout the year, it is definitely not pollen allergy.

There are two tests done by the physician to identify if someone is having pollen allergy. These are the blood test and the skin test. Skin test is done by putting allergen into the patient's skin. If there is a reaction happens. No doubt, the patient has allergy. Blood test is done to look for the presence of a specific protein in the blood. This protein is the IgE. The IgE antibody is produced by the body if there is an allergic reaction or an infection.

Once the cause is identified, one can make moves to avoid and treat the condition. The following are ways to lessen your pollen's exposure:

繚 Keep the doors and windows closed.

繚 Do not use fan and windows to cool your home throughout pollen season. Instead, use your air-conditions.

繚 Do not dry your bedding and clothing outdoors.

繚 Consider to have vacation. Choose a place where the amount of pollen is minimal.

繚 If you are planning to plant trees, select trees that do not cause allergies.

繚 Take medications

繚 Avoid having contact with things that cause allergic symptoms.

繚 Some doctors will offer to have their patient an allergy shots.

Though pollen allergy is the most common type of allergy and causes too much discomfort to a person, it is still easily managed. With proper education about it, anyone can avoid to have this.