In the case of a pollen allergy (hay fever), those affected have an allergic reaction to plant pollen. Here you can find out what symptoms there are and what helps.
What is a pollen allergy?
Pollen allergy (hay fever) is the most common form of allergy known. The immune system of those affected reacts extremely strongly to actually harmless pollen, more precisely to certain proteins in it. Various allergic symptoms such as runny nose or burning eyes occur. In the long term, only so-called hyposensitization, in which the overreaction of the immune system is treated, helps against a pollen allergy.
Why do you get a pollen allergy?
According to the Allergy Information Service, around 15 percent of all adults develop a pollen allergy during their lifetime. It is not entirely clear why some people's immune systems react so strongly to pollen. In principle, the immune system is supposed to protect us from dangerous substances with overreactions, but plant pollen is considered harmless.
Which pollen triggers a pollen allergy?
Basically there are allergic reactions to tree pollen, grass pollen or herb pollen. Most pollen allergy sufferers react to so-called early bloomers, but certain grasses, herbs from the daisy family and plantain family also cause complaints. The following pollen often cause symptoms:
- alder
- birch
- hazel
- rye
- Meadow grass
- ambrosia
- mugwort
An allergy to the pollen of ragweed, which is spreading rapidly in Europe, is common, because its pollen spreads very aggressively and it blooms until late autumn.
Symptoms: what are the signs of an allergy?
There are several symptoms that indicate a pollen allergy. These include:
- sniff
- Sneezing fits
- Red and itchy eyes
- Itchy nose
- fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
A stuffy nose can also be a symptom because the nasal mucosa swells due to inflammation. An allergy self-test can often clarify whether such symptoms could be a pollen allergy.
Depending on the plant that triggers the symptoms, pollen allergy sufferers suffer more and less from the symptoms of pollen allergy. The pollen count is particularly strong in spring and summer and the pollen load makes life difficult for those affected.
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High risk of cross allergies
Anyone who already has an allergy has a very high risk of developing a so-called cross allergy. The immune system reacts to certain allergens in food, which are similar to the known allergens from another source. For example, patients with hay fever often react to nuts and pome or stone fruit. If the allergy is generally no longer treated by a doctor, allergic asthma can also develop as a result.
What can you do about a pollen allergy?
During the flowering period of the affected plants, so-called antihistamines, which are available over the counter in the pharmacy, can alleviate the symptoms. However, these antihistamines can also have side effects. Eye drops can help for a short time against acute eye problems. In the long run, only immunotherapy will help a so-called hyposensitization, against the symptoms. The immune system gets used to the respective allergen in slowly increasing doses. However, treatment can take between three and five years.
Reading tips: Here you can find out everything about hay fever, allergic asthma and ambrosia allergy.
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