Pollen allergy treatment: what to do about seasonal allergies

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 13, 2022

Many people treat pollen allergy symptoms with over-the-counter medications and avoid triggers. The effects of pollen allergies are often underestimated, especially in the early spring

It is best to consult a doctor and work together to come up allergy management plan before symptoms are at their worst.

What is Pollen Allergy

Pollen allergy is the body’s response to pollen exposure.

Pollen is a powdery, granular substance often found in flowers of trees, grasses, and weeds.

They are mostly at their peak during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. It can last for several days or months, and exposure is difficult to avoid.

Pollen in the air can trigger a variety of symptoms.

Appropriate management of pollen allergy includes preventative medication and recognising the early symptoms.

Pollen Allergy Symptoms

Each immune system is different. Hence, people’s reactions to pollen can cause diverse signs and symptoms.

The common ones include:

Runny nose (clear, thin nasal discharge)
Stuffy nose (blockage or nasal congestion)
Sneezing / Wheezing
Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth
Red and watery eyes
Swelling around the eyes

People with pre-existing asthma may find pollen allergy worsens their symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulty.

Exposure to pollen can release water-soluble proteins on the body’s respiratory lining. These are usually harmless, but there are instances where the body mistakenly recognises them as “triggers” or harmful substances.

Treatment for Pollen Allergy

The first and most crucial step in allergy management is preventing the allergen or the substance causing the reaction. There is also a range of medications that help reduce pollen allergy symptoms.

Here are some treatments for pollen allergies.

Over the counter (OTC) medications – A person can take antihistamine (Zyrtec, Claritin) weeks before the pollen season begins to prevent severe effects.
Immunotherapy table – helps in desensitising or numbing the body from pollen.
Nasal sprays – help relieve the itching sensation and congestion from allergies. These include decongestants which are an effective short-term solution for swelling.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays – help reduce inflammations or blockage in the nasal passages.
Allergy shots – If medication does not work, consider getting allergy shots. Pay a visit to a doctor or allergist every few weeks to inject a tiny amount of pollen under the skin. After a few months, the body will get used to the substance and not produce any severe symptoms.

Many of these treatments only help manage the symptoms but cannot cure the allergy permanently.

Immunotherapy may help with long term management but usually take years to complete.

Prevention of pollen allergy

Here are a few tips to reduce pollen exposure:

Check the weather before heading out. Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are at their peak, usually when it is cool, rainy, and wet.
Keep the pollen out. Avoid opening the windows at home or in the car. Instead, run the air with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air.
Take additional precautions by wearing sunglasses outdoors to lessen the amount of pollen getting into the eyes. If possible, wear hats with a wide brim to keep pollen off the hair.
Take medications early before pollen season begins. Most allergy medications work best this way to prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body.