Studies show that around 40 million Americans suffer from an allergy to pollen, which can include seasonal allergies, hay fever and allergic rhinitis. Whichever term you use for it, pollen allergies can span the simply irritating symptoms which ruin the summer season to potentially fatal conditions. The allergens are egg-shaped cells which originate in flowering plants and are carried on the wind or by insects. In the summer, these are particularly rife and can make the seasons difficult for those with allergies to these cells. Grass pollen is one of the most common triggers for these allergies, closely followed by elm, hickory, ash, oak and walnut trees, to name but a few. Most trees release pollen early in the year, generally from January to August. After this stage in the year, the grass pollens take over between May and August. Pollen allergy symptoms are also triggered by ragweed later in the year, during autumn. This means that those suffering with an allergy are rarely without a trigger, making being outdoors difficult. Knowing when you get your worse symptoms, though, can help you narrow down which allergies you have – for example, if your allergies are worse in the beginning of the year, you’re probably allergic to tree pollen.
The allergens produced by pollen are seen as invaders by the immune system, which causes it to release histamine to try and block them from entering the body. Histamin causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to itchy eyes, nose and throat, as well as sniffled and sneezing. Vein congestion in the face can also cause dark circles to form, known as allergic shiners. Some sufferers may be familiar with sinus infections too, due to the swelling of the nasal membranes. If people have asthma, they’ll probably find that pollen allergies can trigger or worsen an attack – people with asthma are more likely to develop other conditions too, such as hay fever. If you have asthma, it’s worth checking the pollen count in the summer season in order to reduce the risk of an attack by being prepared or avoiding grassy areas, such as the local park.
Many people mistake allergy symptoms for the common cold, but if you’ve had the symptoms for more than a few days and it hasn’t dissipated, then it may be worth checking with your GP to see if you have a pollen allergy. Allergy specialists can run quick and efficient tests to determine if you are in fact allergic to pollen, as well as seeing which types of pollen are particular triggers for histamine. Since pollen isn’t particularly harmful to the body, you can get over the counter anti-histamines which can help you to reduce your symptoms and control your condition. Natural remedies have been discovered to be very effective, too. A European herb known as Butterbur can be used up to four times a day and offers a similar effect to anti-histamines. Likewise, grape seed extract or guercetin supplements could provide the same effect. Vitamin C and saline sprays are commonly recommended by GP, too. The latter can wash pollen from your airways, as well as reducing mucus and resorting moisture to the nasal passages. You can make up your own by mixing a few teaspoons of non-iodised salt (such as kosher salt) with a teaspoon or baking soda and a pint of water – mix together and add to a spray bottle or a bulb syringe to apply. There are even free apps which you can download to your phone to warn you of pollen counts and airborne allergens when they are particularly high.