Pollen Allergies
Throughout the spring, summer and fall thousands of people suffer from pollen allergies. While Nature is busy trying to actively perpetuate all her splendor, something goes wrong. Some of those workmen meant for other plants and other fertile grounds end up invading your nose and throat leaving you itching, sneezing, and cursing the heavens for the resurgence of your hated enemy: hay fever. Pollen is one of the most widespread causes of allergy symptoms, in part because it is so difficult to avoid. But what is really going on in your body when you experience pollen allergy symptoms and what can you do to prevent it in the future?
The Basics of Pollen
Seasonal plants produce tiny particles that they need in order to reproduce. These particles are called pollen. Some plants are capable of using pollen from its very own flowers to fertilize itself and grow seeds. Other plants need cross-pollination to become fertile. These plants need pollen from another plant of the same species to be fertilized and produce seeds. In the case of cross-pollination, there are two elements that will transfer pollen from plant to plant; insects and wind. Colorful and heavily scented flowers rarely produce allergic reactions because their pollen is heavy. These flowers depend on insects to transport their pollen and become fertilized.
The real culprits of pollen allergies are the plants that depend on wind for cross-pollination. These plants produce pollen that is light and they produce large quantities of it to make sure that some of the pollen reaches another plant and the species can endure. The common pollen allergy offenders are common looking plants like grass, trees and weeds. They don't have flashy flowers because they don't need to attract the attention of insects. These plants produce pollen that is ideal for wind transport. Take a common pollen allergy offender as an example. One ragweed plant can produce a million grains of pollen in a single day. This pollen is so light and easily carried by the wind that samples of ragweed pollen have been found as far out as 400 miles out to sea! Ragweed is one of many weeds that are well known pollen allergy instigators. Russian thistle, sagebrush and redroot pigweed are among the other heavy hitters in the weed allergen category. The big names among tree allergies include oak, mountain cedar, elm and hickory. Big names in grasses include sweet vernal grass, timothy grass, orchard grass and Kentucky bluegrass.
When is Pollen Season?
If you suffer from a pollen allergy, I am sure that you have noticed that it is seasonal. Each plant produces pollen and releases it around the same time every year. However, that time for each plant is different. You experience your pollen allergy symptoms when the plant that you are sensitive to is releasing its pollen into the air. That varies by person and by plant but typically pollen season can last from spring into fall.
What Happens When I Have an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction to pollen is your immune system overreacting to a typically harmless substance in the air. When you are not allergic to pollen, the mucus in your nasal passages moves the pollen out of your nose and into your throat. After this you simply swallow them or cough them out. When you are allergic to pollen something entirely different happens. When you encounter an allergen, your immune system treats the allergen like an unwanted intruder and readies for battle. Your immune system produces IgE. IgE is an antibody that attaches to mast cells and blood cells in your body. When the allergen encounters the IgE, it attaches itself to it. That's when the real allergy attack begins. Once the allergen is bound the IgE, a signal is sent to the cell to release inflammatory chemicals like histamines. These chemicals are what cause the symptoms of your allergic reaction. It is your bodies way of grabbing the invader and hitting the eject button.
Some common pollen allergy symptoms are listed below:
- Sneezing usually accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose
- Watering eyes
- Itchy eyes, throat and nose
- Allergic shiners: these are dark circles under your eyes which are caused by restricted blood flow around your sinuses
What Can I Do?
There are many ways that you can help to reduce your exposure to pollen and thus effectively decrease the frequency of allergic reactions that you have. The trick is finding the right combination of allergy relief techniques that works right for you.
Medications
Some people have elected to use a variety of medications. You can find versions of the medications mentioned below through a prescription or even over the counter in some cases.
Antihistamines: of course, this medication is designed to counteract the natural histamine that your body produces as a reaction to the pollen. You can get antihistamines through a prescription. There is also a wide variety offered over the counter. This medication will help relief itchy or runny nose, sneezing and itchy throat and eyes. It will also help with nasal congestion and mucus production. Unfortunately, some people may experience side effects when taking this medication. Possible side effects include drowsiness and a decrease in coordination and alertness. Please be careful when using this medication.
Cromolyn sodium: this is available by prescription as a nasal solution. Cromolyn sodium helps to control allergic reactions by preventing the mast cells from releasing histamine. This medication does not appear to cause drowsiness but it must be used consistently for several weeks before the beneficial effects can be seen.
Corticosteroids: this medication inhibits mucus production and reduces nasal inflammation. It is basically a locally active steroid that penetrates the nasal membrane. Side effects can include nasal burning as well as dryness and a sore throat. Make sure that you take this in the recommended doses as more serious side effects can occur.
Nasal Decongestants: these are simply over the counter medicines that contain decongestants. Nasal decongestants constrict the blood vessels in the nasal tissue which decreases both swelling and mucus production. Be cautious when using nasal decongestants as they can cause an increase in heart rate, a rise in blood pressure and nervousness. Ask your doctor about them before beginning regular use.
Natural Pollen Allergy Remedies
You can also take a few precautions in your home that will help to decrease the frequency of your pollen allergy attacks. A few steps are recommended below:
- Remain indoors during the morning when the pollen count is high. Try to stay indoors during windy, dry days when pollen is easily picked up by the wind.
- Keep your home windows closed and use the air conditioner if you need additional cooling. This will keep allergens out. Also, keep your car windows rolled up when you are driving around and use the air conditioning instead.
- If you work outdoors and have pollen allergies, wear a face mask while you work to decrease the amount of pollen that you are breathing in.
- Avoid areas high in pollen. Don't go hiking or to outdoor events where you will experience prolonged exposure to pollen during your peak allergy season.
Lastly, you can use a HEPA air purifier like the IQAir HealthPro Plus. The IQAir HealthPro Plus offers a trusted solution to remove the airborne allergens and irritants from the air you and your family breathe. Pollen allergies are about to meet their match! This breakthrough natural purification system removes 99.97% of lung damaging dust particles, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, germs, viruses, tobacco smoke, chemicals, and odors. By combining a medical grade HEPA filter with 5 pounds of activated carbon and potassium permanganate, the IQAir HealthPro Plus can provide you the guaranteed relief you need. This system is recommended by both physicians and allergists. It is designed to purify up to 1000 square feet. It is the ultimate solution for larger rooms such as your home or office. Imagine the relief that comes with finally breathing freely. Allergy and sinus relief are well within your grasp. You deserve to experience the natural allergy relief and relaxation that the IQAir HealthPro Plus will bring to you and your family. The IQAir HealthPro Plus is convenient and easy to use. It comes in an attractive off white color and has casters which allow for ease of movement. The IQAir HealthPro Plus is quiet and energy efficient. Its six fan speeds allow you to choose your perfect setting with ease. This is the air purification system that you have been looking for. Pollen allergies are too troublesome and too painful to ignore. Tackle them with the ultimate battle plan. Get your HealthPro Plus today!