Pollen Allergy, what it is and how to identify its symptoms

In Spain, around 6.6 million people suffer from pollen allergies. Symptoms range from simple sneezing to conjunctivitis and nasal congestion.

In the months when fields, plants and trees are in bloom—especially during spring— people with pollen allergies face constant challenges. Increased symptoms such as eye irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing and dry cough make the days more difficult.

Also known as pollinosis, hay fever or seasonal allergy, it is one of the most common types of allergies today. The combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as pollution and climate change, have increased its prevalence.

In Spain, for example, it affects 15% of the population, according to the report from the statistical portal of the National Health System (SNS). In fact, worldwide, it is the most common allergy.

How to recognize it and what to do to prevent it? Below are all the details.

What is pollen allergy and why does it occur?

Pollen allergy is a disease that occurs when different types of pollen enter the body through mucous membranes exposed to the air. Pollen is a fine yellowish powder that contains sperm cells that enable plant reproduction.

It is present in a wide variety of plant species, whether they are shrubs, trees, weeds, flowering plants or grasses . In warm seasons (such as spring and summer), which is when flowering usually occurs, this substance spreads thanks to the wind and the activity of birds and insects.

While this is vital for the fertilization of plants, sensitive people soon suffer the effects. As with other allergic reactions, the immune system detects pollen as a “harmful” or “dangerous” agent.

Consequently, the release of a series of substances is activated, mainly histamine , which will trigger the typical respiratory and ocular symptoms. These range from mild to severe and can be triggered by one or more types of pollen.

Causes of pollen allergy

To date, the exact cause of the immune system ‘s reaction to the presence of allergens, such as pollen, has not been clarified. In Spain, as in other European countries, the plants most associated with allergies are those of the grass family (cereals, grasses and lawns).

The allergenicity of the pollens of these species, in addition to their long pollination period and extensive distribution, is what is linked to the high prevalence in the region. Anyway, there are other types of pollen associated:

• Tree: common in areas with warm climates; often from March to May. Birch, oak and cedar are the largest representatives.
• Weed: increases in late spring and can extend until autumn. Ragweed is its most common allergen. However, it can also be pollen from mugwort , cockle, or tumbleweed.

It should be noted that, although a genetic component is recognized in its appearance, the emission of greenhouse gases and climate change are associated with the increase in cases. In pollen from areas with high levels of pollution, stress proteins have been observed that increase the allergic response in people .

Symptoms of pollen allergy

The clinical manifestations of pollen allergy can vary from person to person. In fact, each patient may be affected by a particular type of pollen (or several at the same time). This not only modifies the symptoms, but also the seasons of presentation.

Most of the time, the reaction occurs after inhaling pollen that travels through the air. Still, some experience it when touching a source of the allergen (or a surface covered by it) or when pollen enters their eyes.

You can suspect that you suffer from it if you feel the following:

• Wheezing
• sneezing
• Crying eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
• Cough and throat irritation
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Itchy throat and eyes
• Temporary loss of smell or taste
• Sinus pressure causing facial pain

It should be noted that pollen allergy can cause asthma in 38% of cases . Exposure to the allergen worsens the symptoms of said disease , such as cough and difficulty breathing.

How long does pollen allergy last?

Due to high pollen levels in seasons such as spring and summer, the allergy can last for weeks . Whether symptoms are mild or severe depends largely on how much exposure can be reduced.

It must be considered that tree pollination usually begins in January and lasts until mid-year (depending on the species). Throughout this period, the risk of experiencing a pollen allergy crisis is high.

How is the diagnosis made?

In the consultation with the doctor or allergist, the medical history and some questions regarding the symptoms are usually enough to diagnose pollen allergy. One detail that is taken into account is the seasonal pattern.

Now, the specialist may suggest some complementary tests , such as a skin prick test or IgE analysis in a blood sample . The first test is performed with a fine needle, through which a small amount of the suspected allergen is introduced into the skin. Then, it is observed if there are reactions of swelling, itching or redness. The IgE blood test, for its part, looks for the specific antibody that the immune system produces.

Measures to reduce the risk of pollen allergy

There is no foolproof method to prevent the onset of pollen allergy. Even so, there are several measures that can be implemented to reduce the risk of this reaction.

The main objective is to avoid, as far as possible, contact with the allergen. Take note!

1. Check the pollen count before you go outside

Pollen counting is done through methods such as pollen traps, microscope analysis, and counting nets. To specify this information from home, you can download mobile applications , such as Pollen Control or Polencheck , which show what the level is each day and in each region.

2. Limit outdoor activities

If the pollen concentration is high, it is best to refrain from outdoor activities or field trips. The same applies on windy days, when the risk increases even more.

3. Keep the windows closed

Wind currents often carry pollen particles into the home. Hence it is recommended to keep the windows closed most of the time. This also includes car windows .

4. Install pollen filters

To keep the interior of your home or car cool, you can use humidifiers or an air conditioner. However, as these devices can trap allergen particles, try to install pollen filters. Of course, make sure to change them regularly so that they do their job.

5. Use sunglasses

A simple but effective measure to prevent pollen from coming into contact with your eyes is to wear sunglasses. These, with their filter, also prevent UV rays from exacerbating allergy symptoms .

6. Change your clothes when you get home

After an outing, clothing may be left with pollen particles. Because of this, it is a good idea to change when you get home.

If possible, take a shower and wash your clothes right away. If you usually dry clothes outdoors, it is better to do it indoors.

7. Take some precautions in your household chores

If you usually remove dust dry, it’s time to change the method. Dampen a cloth and clean with it. Water helps increase the weight and size of pollen, making it difficult to transport through the air.

On the other hand, use vacuum cleaners instead of brooms or mops. If you want to ventilate the interior a little, do it only for five minutes, preferably at noon , which is when the pollen concentration decreases.

8. Be careful in the garden

If you have a garden, patio or terrace with green species, pay attention. Try to avoid those plants and trees that pollinate the air, such as sunflowers, coneflowers, asters, zinnias, oak, birch and plane trees, among others. Instead, choose those with hypoallergenic flowers .

Likewise, suspend activities such as mowing the grass. Without you noticing, there may be pollen residue on it that will be dispersed through the air when pruning.

9. Use masks or nasal filters

To avoid contact of the mucous membranes with pollen when leaving the house, opt for a mask or a nasal filter. Both elements prevent grains from entering the body through the nose or mouth.

10. Spray water in the room

As we mentioned, water helps prevent pollens from traveling through the air. Therefore, a simple trick to avoid allergy attacks is to spray water in the rooms, especially before going to bed .

Medical treatment for pollen allergy

Pollen allergy has no cure. However, once the diagnosis is made, the doctor may suggest some medications to control your symptoms.

These should be complemented by the advice given above. The most common are the following:

• Antihistamines: such as cetirizine or loratadine , whose function is to inhibit histamine, which is the substance that the body secretes when detecting the allergen. They are available in the form of syrup, nasal sprays and lozenges.
• Decongestants: Available in pills, sprays and liquids, they are used to help remove mucus from the airways. Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are the most common. They should not be taken for more than five days, due to their risk of side effects.
• Combination therapy: These are medications that combine antihistamines and decongestants, such as loratadine with pseudoephedrine.
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Used to reduce inflammation of the nasal cavity. The most popular is fluticasone .
• Other drugs:  Medications to control asthma may contribute. In this group we have bronchodilators, steroids and leukotriene inhibitors, such as montelukast .

Immunotherapy for pollen allergy

The allergist may suggest immunotherapy or desensitization as a treatment option . It is estimated that this approach improves pollen allergy by up to 60%. In particular, it consists of exposing the allergic person to very small doses of the allergen for a long time.

For this, injections, sprays, drops or tablets are used. Throughout the process, the dose is increased every week or every two weeks, according to the tolerance developed by the patient.

The most frequently asked questions about pollen allergies

To recapitulate some of the most relevant aspects about pollen allergy, below we resolve the most frequently asked questions about this condition.

1. How can I know if I am allergic to pollen?

The appearance of sneezing, watery eyes, congestion and runny nose , eye irritation and dry cough are the main signs of pollen allergy. Above all, if they appear when visiting environments with high levels of this substance (parks, gardens, fields, etc.).

2. How do I stop being allergic to pollen?

There is no definitive cure for pollen allergy. The available treatment is based on symptom management. Regardless, options such as immunotherapy have shown promising results.

3. How common is pollen allergy in Spain?

Information given by the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) indicates that one in five Spaniards suffers from pollen allergy.

4. What time of year do pollen levels increase?

Pollination of trees begins in February and lasts until April ; Meanwhile, weed pollen increases from April or May to September. Grasses pollinate from May to June.

5. Does pollen allergy affect skin health?

Yes. Although it does not occur in all pollen allergy sufferers, this condition can cause skin itching and irritation. Additionally, some experience redness and inflammation of the skin and contact dermatitis .

6. Are there natural remedies for pollen allergies?

Self-care measures are usually natural strategies for dealing with pollen allergies . There are some natural remedies that, according to empirical evidence, would help reduce symptoms.

Options include the following:

• Nettle infusion.
• Quercetin supplements .
• Consumption of probiotic foods .
• Nasal washes with saline solution.
• Chamomile sachets to soothe eye irritation.

7. How are colds different from pollen allergies?

Colds and pollen allergies share some symptoms. This is the reason why many tend to confuse them.

The first thing to be clear about is that a cold is caused by viruses, while an allergy is a reaction of the immune system to the detection of invading allergens.

8. What foods should I avoid if I have a pollen allergy?

Some of the foods not recommended in case of pollen allergy are peaches, plums, bananas, cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, carrots, soybeans, peanuts, celery, cucumber and watermelon. Ultra-processed foods should also be avoided, as they increase systemic inflammation.

What should you remember?

The pollens released by some trees, weeds and ornamental plants are a common cause of allergies. In fact, pollen allergies became one of the most common allergies worldwide. Factors such as increased pollution have influenced its high prevalence.

Spring and summer tend to increase allergy crises. Hence the need to implement a series of care and strategies to minimize exposure to pollen during these times. The doctor may also recommend drugs and injections to help manage symptoms.