Pollen allergy

What is pollen allergy?

Pollen allergy, also known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as birch and grass pollen. This reaction releases histamine and other substances to fight the pollen, causing a variety of symptoms. The medical term for pollen allergy is allergic rhinitis.

Common symptoms of pollen allergy

Common symptoms of pollen allergy include:

• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• That you get irritation in your eyes as they can itch and run.
• That you get tired.
• Some also experience headaches, increased need for sleep and breathing difficulties. The symptoms vary – depending on how much pollen is in the air. You can see pollen reports at Pollenkoll.se .

Cold or pollen allergy?

The symptoms of pollen allergy can be similar to those of colds and other respiratory infections , but they tend to last longer and do not usually include fever or body aches. In addition, the symptoms of pollen allergy tend to occur in the spring, summer, or fall. Pollen also does not cause a sore throat or thick yellowish snot.

Causes of pollen allergy

The cause of pollen allergy is an immune reaction that occurs when the body reacts to substances that it would normally tolerate. Heredity is an important factor, but there is no clear explanation for why more and more people suffer from allergies. The risk of being affected increases if your genetic parents or siblings have asthma or allergies. Pollen allergy usually breaks out in adolescence, where for some it becomes milder in adulthood and for others worse. Pollen allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to substances that are in the air during the pollen season, which leads to the release of various substances, including histamine, and you then get the symptoms we mentioned earlier.

How do I know if I have pollen? – Signs of pollen allergy

If you have recurring problems at around the same time of year, you can be pretty sure that you are allergic to pollen.

• If you have symptoms during leaf-bursting season, it is suspected that you are allergic to birch.
• If you have symptoms during the height of summer, it is suspected that you are allergic to grass.
• If you have symptoms during late summer, it is suspected that you are allergic to ragweed.
• If you perform a skin prick test and the skin prick test result matches your symptoms during the season, it is sufficient for allergy diagnosis.

Cross-allergy is common in pollen allergy

If you suffer from pollen allergies, it is important to also be aware of cross-allergies, which affect two out of three people with pollen allergies. Cross-allergy means that you can experience allergic symptoms to substances that contain similar allergens to those that cause your pollen allergy. For example, a person who is allergic to birch pollen may also experience allergic reactions to nuts or apples. By being aware of cross-allergies, you can take appropriate precautions to avoid allergic reactions and improve your quality of life during pollen season. Read more about cross-allergies here .

Treatment of pollen allergy

The treatment of pollen allergy consists of different parts, firstly avoiding the allergen as much as possible and, depending on your symptoms, taking medication that relieves them. For the vast majority of people, over-the-counter antihistamine tablets usually help with pollen allergy. If you have symptoms from the nose and eyes, there are also nasal sprays and eye drops that can relieve your symptoms. It is important that you take these medications for a long time and in good time to relieve your symptoms.

Diagnosis and medication for severe pollen allergy symptoms

If you have severe problems with your pollen allergy, you can undergo an allergy test to get a correct diagnosis. During the test, the doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. To determine exactly what you are allergic to, the doctor may recommend a skin prick test. Such a test involves applying a small amount of different allergens to the skin, usually on the forearm, to see which ones cause a reaction. You may also be asked to provide a blood sample so that the doctor can measure the level of IgE antibodies, which can indicate an allergic reaction. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor can advise you on appropriate measures to manage your allergy. There are several medications that can help. The doctor can prescribe antihistamines, nasal sprays with corticosteroids or eye drops that effectively relieve symptoms. For those with particularly severe symptoms, allergy shots, or immunotherapy, may be an option. This involves injecting weak doses of the allergen into the body over a long period of time to gradually reduce sensitivity to it and thus relieve your symptoms in the long term.

At Recetas Medicas you can get quick help with pollen allergy treatment. Fill out our health form and you will receive an answer within 15 minutes.

Nasal spray for pollen allergy

If you suffer from nasal problems due to pollen allergies and have been prescribed a nasal spray, it is important to use it correctly to get the best possible effect. To use the nasal spray correctly, bend your head forward and point the nozzle diagonally outward from the nostril. Then spray once or twice, depending on the medication, into each nostril with one hand at a time, first into the left nostril with the right hand and then into the right nostril with the left hand. By following these simple instructions, you can ensure that the nasal spray reaches the correct area of ​​the nose and should provide relief for your allergy symptoms.

Pollen season and pollen levels for different species

The pollen season in Sweden runs from early spring to late autumn, and different pollen species dominate at different times. The season begins in southern Sweden, with hazel and alder that can bloom as early as February or March, and reaches the northern parts of the country a few weeks later. Birch pollen makes its appearance from April to June. Allergy to birch pollen is the most common form of allergy in Sweden.

During the summer, grass pollen takes over, with the highest concentration on warm, dry days. Grass pollen is particularly challenging for allergy sufferers because there are many different grasses that bloom from May to September, which can mean a long period of allergy symptoms.

In late summer and early autumn, the common honeysuckle blooms. The common honeysuckle grows in large parts of the country and ends the pollen season.

Weather plays a big role in pollen levels. Dry days have high pollen concentrations in the air, while rain temporarily reduces levels. By keeping track of the daily pollen report where you live, you can adjust your activities and treatment during the most intense periods of the pollen season.

What can I do myself about pollen?

General tips to relieve your pollen symptoms:

• Don't air until evening or after it has rained.
• Do not hang laundry or bedding outdoors during the season.
• Avoid mowing the lawn.
• Avoid playing and sports on the lawn.
• Change clothes when you have been out and come home.
• Also shower your hair.
• Do not have close contact with furry animals that have been outside during days with pollen.
• Rinsing your nose with saline solution can relieve your discomfort.
• Tobacco smoke can worsen pollen symptoms, try to avoid tobacco smoke.
• Change your bedding often and keep the bedroom door closed.
• Vacuum and mop frequently.
• Keep windows and doors closed during the day.