What is pollen?
Plants produce the microscopic round or oval grains called pollen in order to reproduce. In some species, the plant uses the pollen from its own flowers to fertilize itself. Other types must be cross-pollinated.
Pollen Allergy
Pollen allergy is a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by pollen grains, the pollen allergy symptom is caused when allergy pollen grains enter the noses and throats of humans, pollen allergy is also more commonly known as hay fever or rose fever. Not all pollens are allergenic; some people may be allergic to specific pollen whereas some people may be allergic to another pollen.
Of all the things that cause seasonal allergy discomfort, pollen allergies (or hayfever) are the most common and wide spread. The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are produced by the plain-looking plants (trees, grasses, and weeds) that do not have showy flowers. If you shake a plant in germination you’ll usually see a cloud of powder. Hold your breath if you are allergic to it.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of pollen allergy are familiar to many:
- Sneezing, the most common, may be accompanied by a runny or clogged nose
- Itching eyes, nose, and throat
- Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by restricted blood flow near the sinuses)
- The “allergic salute” (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose)
- Watering eyes
- Conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed eyes).
Allergy Relief
The most common way to combat a pollen allergy is to visit your Doctor and discuss taking an anti-histamine. There are a number of prescriptions that target specific symptoms, and your Doctor will know which one is best for your condition. There are also a number of natural sources to help with seasonal allergies. One that has been found to be especially effective against a wide variety of allergies is Mangosteen juice.
