What is pollen allergy?
Pollen allergy, also known as pollinosis or hay fever, is an excessive reaction of the immune system to normally harmless pollen. The body mistakenly perceives these allergens as harmful and triggers an inflammatory response.
The main pollens responsible for allergies come from:
- Certain trees, such as hazel and alder (between January and March), or birch and ash (between March and April)
- Grasses, such as weeds and cereals (from May onwards and throughout the summer)
- Herbaceous plants, such as ragweed, mugwort, or plantain (between June and September)
A person may be sensitive to one or more types of pollen, depending on the flowering season and the amount of particles carried by the wind.
What are the symptoms of a pollen allergy?
The season in which symptoms occur often provides a clue as to the allergic nature of the disorder. Common signs of pollen allergy are:
- Repeated sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy nose or eyes
- Red, watery eyes
- Dry cough
- Persistent fatigue
- Allergic asthma in some cases (wheezing, shortness of breath)
How can pollen allergies be treated?
Your doctor or allergist will advise you on the appropriate treatment for your case to relieve symptoms and improve your daily life. This usually includes:
- Oral antihistamines: these block histamine, the molecule responsible for allergic symptoms.
- Corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays: these are effective in reducing inflammation in cases of persistent rhinitis.
- Antihistamine eye drops to relieve itchy eyes.
- In the event of asthma attacks, a combination of bronchodilators and corticosteroids may be recommended.
Consult your doctor before starting treatment and follow the instructions for use carefully.
Simple steps to take
In addition to treatment, these simple steps can help limit your exposure to pollen and therefore reduce discomfort:
- Air out rooms early in the morning or on rainy days.
- Avoid going outside in dry, windy weather.
- Wear sunglasses when outside.
- Shower and change clothes after going outside.
- Wash your hair every evening (and your partner's too)
- Use an air purifier or pollen filters on your windows.
FAQs about allergies
How do I know if I'm allergic to pollen?
A skin test performed by an allergist can accurately identify the allergens involved. The results are available in 15 minutes. It is also possible to have a blood test (specific IgE assay) at your doctor's discretion and after the skin test (prick tests).
How can I tell the difference between an allergy and a cold?
Pollen allergy or hay fever differs from a simple cold in that it recurs at the same time each year and can last for several weeks. In medical jargon, this is referred to as allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis, which is often accompanied by itchy eyes and sometimes coughing or even breathing difficulties (allergic asthma). A cold, on the other hand, is caused by a virus.
Can pollen allergies be permanently cured?
In cases of severe allergies with debilitating symptoms, desensitization treatment (immunotherapy) may be recommended. This involves administering increasing doses of the allergen to gradually accustom the immune system and build up the patient's tolerance. This treatment, which lasts 3 to 5 years, is prescribed by an allergist in the form of tablets, drops, or subcutaneous injections and depends on your blood profile.
What should I do if my child has symptoms?
If your child has symptoms consistent with an allergy, consult your doctor immediately or contact our pediatrics department for appropriate care.
Key points
Pollen allergies affect around 30% of the general population, but there are solutions available to relieve symptoms and enjoy the summer months with peace of mind. Appropriate treatment, on medical advice, combined with a few simple measures, can effectively combat pollen allergies. If necessary, desensitization carried out by an allergist may be recommended, which will reduce allergic reactions in the long term.