Pollen – not everyone’s friend

With the promise of Summer, everything in nature starts getting ready for a new season – trees are sprouting new leaves and flowers are blooming. Summer is usually the season when most people get the opportunity to shed those winter layers and grab their sunscreen, gardening tools and hats and spend some time in nature.

Unfortunately for some, though, hundreds of plant species release pollen into the air and many of us, including me, spend the summer months sneezing, sniffling and trying to see through puffy eyes. These are the people who suffer from pollen allergies – and the only thing they do during this time is keep the tissue manufacturers afloat!

Pollen is a very fine powder produced by trees, grasses, flowers and weeds to aid in the fertilisation of other plants of the same species. It is the most common cause of allergies – turning your body’s immune system into a lean, mean, fighting machine.

The immune system usually defends the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses to keep illnesses at bay. In people with pollen allergies, the harmless pollen is mistakenly identified as an intruder. This causes the immune system to produce pollen-fighting chemicals – causing an allergic reaction which can lead to numerous irritating symptoms, including sneezing, a stuffy nose and watery eyes.

Pollen allergies are often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. They affect everyone differently – some people suffer all year round, while others only suffer at certain times of the year. Symptoms can be treated with medication and allergy shots, and changing certain aspects of your lifestyle can also help relieve some of the pollen-related allergies.

Pollen allergy symptoms often include the following: nasal congestion, facial pain caused by sinus pressure, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, a scratchy throat, a cough, and the skin beneath the eyes may have a bluish colour and appear swollen. Your sense of taste and smell could be decreased and asthma reactions may be increased.

One of the most severe and difficult to treat pollen allergies is caused by grass. This specific allergy is usually diagnosed by a doctor, but you could also be referred to an allergist who would do an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis. A skin prick test (where your skin is pricked and a small amount of the allergen is inserted) could also be performed. If you are allergic to any of the allergens, redness, swelling and itchiness will be experienced at the site within 15 to 20 minutes. A raised, round area – resembling a hive – might also be visible on your skin.

Allergy symptoms can be alleviated by using some over-the-counter medicines. A combination of a decongestant and an antihistamine can also be used. These medicines are not always effective on their own and are often used in conjunction with a nasal spray and allergy shots.

There are also a few home remedies available for the treatment of allergy symptoms, but you should always consult with your doctor before trying something new – it could interfere with the effectiveness of certain medicines. If your symptoms become more severe or your medicines cause unwanted side effects, tell your doctor immediately.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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