Pollen Allergy (Hay Fever)

Hay fever, or hay fever, is an allergic disease caused by pollen from trees, grasses, shrubs and other plants. In Russia, up to 15% of the population suffers from pollen allergies, making it the most common allergic disease in the country.

Hay fever occurs when the immune system reacts inappropriately to pollen from various plants. Pollen gets on the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and mouth, as well as in the bronchi and on the skin. People who are sensitive to it experience allergy symptoms, which may include nasal congestion, excessive watery nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy and red eyes, watery eyes, itching of the roof of the mouth and tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing in the chest, dry cough, skin rashes and other manifestations.

Hay fever has a distinctly seasonal pattern, coinciding with the flowering period of certain plants. In the spring, allergies are caused by pollen from trees and shrubs, in the summer - by grass pollen, and in summer-autumn - by weed pollen. An allergy to pollen can cause allergic urticaria, angioedema, and the development and exacerbation of bronchial asthma. It can also affect the nervous system, causing migraines and even pollen epilepsy. If pollen enters the gastrointestinal tract, for example with food, nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain combined with urticaria may occur. The penetration of pollen particles into the bloodstream can cause joint pain.

To diagnose hay fever, an allergist examines and thoroughly interviews the patient. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes skin tests to determine which substances cause the patient's allergies.

Treatment for hay fever may include specific allergen immunotherapy, which is the most promising treatment option. This method involves gradually introducing increasingly concentrated solutions of the allergen into the patient's skin over several weeks. This gradual introduction causes the body to produce something like an antidote. Specific immunotherapy is carried out in advance to prevent seasonal exacerbations of allergies and reduce its symptoms. In addition, antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids, vasoconstrictor drops and nasal sprays, as well as topical creams and ointments to reduce skin manifestations of allergies can be used to treat hay fever.

It is also important to take precautions to minimize exposure to pollen. For example, you should avoid going outside during periods of high pollen concentrations, close windows and doors in your home, use air conditioners and air purifiers, and shower and change clothes after being outside. In some cases, dietary changes may be necessary to eliminate foods that may exacerbate allergic reactions.

Overall, hay fever is a serious condition that can severely limit a person's quality of life. However, if you follow your doctor's recommendations and take precautions, you can achieve a significant improvement in your condition and reduce allergy symptoms.