Pollen Allergy
Information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for abnormal immune system reactions to pollen.
Symptoms and causes
Pollen allergy is an exaggerated and abnormal immune reaction to proteins present in pollen released by various plants during their reproductive cycles. In allergic individuals, the immune system identifies these proteins as harmful (allergens), triggering inflammation and respiratory symptoms.
Pollen is produced only during the plants’ reproductive period, which is why this allergy, although chronic, occurs seasonally. In most cases, symptoms worsen on dry and windy days, as pollen particles are fine and easily transported by the wind.
There are several types of pollen allergy depending on the plant producing the allergenic pollen:
- Grass allergy: the most common type, triggered by pollen from lawns, hay, wheat, oats, or barley. It mainly occurs in spring and early summer.
- Tree pollen allergy: can be caused by a wide variety of trees, such as olive, cypress, cypress arizonica, oak, plane tree, or birch. It usually occurs in late winter and early spring.
- Weed allergy: arises from spontaneously growing plants, such as mugwort, plantain, salsola, or pellitory. It is common during summer and early autumn, especially in September.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pollen allergy are usually mild and short-lived. The most characteristic are:
- Rhinitis: nasal itching, sneezing, congestion.
- Conjunctivitis: eye itching, tearing, redness.
- Occasionally, asthma: wheezing, cough, difficulty breathing.
Causes
Allergies result from an immune system error, producing antibodies against a substance that is not harmful to the body. In pollen allergy, symptoms appear when a large quantity of this allergen is inhaled.
Risk Factors
The risk of developing pollen allergy is higher in the following cases:
- Age: more frequent in children and young adults.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Family history of allergy.
- Other allergies.
- Asthma.
- High pollen concentration.
- Air pollution, which may enhance the allergenic effect of pollen.
Complications
Pollen allergy can lead to other conditions, including:
- Allergic asthma.
- Allergic conjunctivitis.
- Loss of smell or taste (usually temporary).
- Allergic dermatitis.
- In very rare cases, anaphylaxis, which presents with difficulty breathing, throat swelling, hypotension, and rapid pulse.
Prevention
Pollen allergy cannot be prevented, but symptoms can be reduced by taking certain precautions:
- Avoid contact with plants that trigger the allergy.
- Stay indoors on days with high pollen counts.
- Avoid outdoor exposure between 5:00–10:00 a.m. and 7:00–10:00 p.m., as pollen levels are usually higher.
- Wear sunglasses.
- Use a face mask.
- Install pollen filters in air conditioning systems.
- Clean dust with a damp cloth and vacuum floors to prevent pollen from spreading.
- Dry clothes indoors.
- Wash or peel fruits before consumption.
Which Specialist Treats Pollen Allergy?
Pollen allergy is diagnosed and treated by an allergology specialist. Pulmonology may also be involved.
Diagnosis
Typically, a thorough clinical history is sufficient to diagnose pollen allergy. To identify the specific type, a skin prick test is performed, in which allergens from different sources are applied to the skin to assess the immune response.
A blood test can also detect specific antibodies responsible for the allergy and quantify their levels.
Treatment
There is no cure for pollen allergy, but appropriate treatment significantly reduces symptoms and improves patients’ quality of life.
In addition to the preventive measures mentioned above, the following therapies are indicated:
- Antihistamines to reduce itching, decrease mucus production, and relieve sneezing.
- Immunotherapy: the pollen allergy vaccine modifies the body’s response to the allergen. Multiple doses over three to five years are usually required to achieve the desired effect.
