Pollen allergy manifests itself mainly by the symptoms of rhinitis: sneezing, nasal congestion (blocked nose), rhinorrhea (runny nose), and oropharyngeal pruritus (itchy nose, throat and ears). Ophthalmic damage including red, swollen eyes, tearing, itchy eyes and sometimes photophobia (hypersensitivity to light) may be associated. When and why consult an allergist in case of pollen allergy? Response elements.
When to consult an allergist in case of pollen allergy?
It is recommended to consult an allergist when the symptoms of pollen allergy significantly impair the quality of life. An emergency consultation is also necessary in the presence of signs of worsening of the disease such as asthma or anaphylactic shock. Generally speaking, a consultation with an allergist is necessary in the presence of symptoms suggestive of an allergy, a family history of allergy as well as in the event of allergic reactions after ingestion of an identified food.
Why consult an allergist if you have a pollen allergy?
It is recommended to consult an allergist for several reasons in the context of a pollen allergy:
- Make the diagnosis: the allergist can perform skin tests and complete with a blood test to confirm the allergy and determine the type of pollen involved. “The objective is to find out if there are antibodies against oak, birch, grass pollen, etc. The doctor will need to know the circumstances in which the allergic reaction occurred, the patient’s medical history and their lifestyle. Depending on which pollen is causing the symptoms, we can inform the patient when they should start paying attention and when they can take their foot off the gas based on the pollen sensor readings. informs Dr Édouard Sève.
- Implement the appropriate treatment: Classically, the management of a pollen allergy is based on symptomatic treatment with the prescription of antihistamine drugs, and desensitization to try to eradicate the allergy. “Sometimes symptomatic treatment is not sufficient, especially when patients self-medicate, taking over-the-counter antihistamines. Likewise, there is sometimes an addiction effect with prescription medications; the treatment may only work for a few years. It is at this moment that the desensitization is offered to the patient. The allergist also provides the patient with advice on how to combat pollen. You can become allergic at any age. The allergy may heal spontaneously and disappear as it came, or it may require inducing tolerance using desensitization. points out the specialist.
- Detect possible signs of seriousness: the allergist will notably look for asthma by carrying out an EFR (pulmonary function test) to check that respiratory function remains normal.
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