The arrival of spring means the arrival of seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Hay fever can strike at any time, but in the southern areas of the U.S., it is more prevalent during March-September when plants release large amounts of pollen in the air.
Pollen is a yellow, dust-like powder produced by male flowers. The powder is spread by birds, insects, and the wind to female flowers, fertilizing them to produce fruit.
In some people, pollen is one of the most common triggers of allergic rhinitis. Other common triggers are dust and dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis or hay fever
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes that may turn red
- Blocked, stuffy nose and pressure in the sinuses
- Headache
Why does pollen make you sneeze?
Pollen is harmless in itself. But when it is breathed in, the yellow dust can irritate and inflame the nasal passages. Sometimes, a person’s immune system will mistake pollen for a dangerous intruder and jump into protective mode to flush it out of the body.
Histamine’s old one-two
If your body identifies pollen as dangerous, your white blood cells will release a chemical called histamine. Histamine reacts to allergens, like pollen, by triggering bronchoconstriction and amping up the secretion of mucus.
- Bronchoconstriction
Bronchoconstriction is when the airways to your lungs become narrow, or constrict. The reduced airflow is meant to keep pollen particles out of your lungs, but it also makes breathing difficult. You might start wheezing, coughing, or feeling short of breath.
- Mucus secretion
On ordinary days, mucus is a clear liquid in your sinuses that traps dust and germs and filters them out of your body. When an allergen attacks, the mucus glands in your body go into overdrive. This is why your nose runs, your eyes water, and you cough up phlegm.
If histamine is trying to protect my immune system, why should I take an antihistamine?
Too much histamine puts you at risk of vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is when your throat and tongue swell up, breathing becomes difficult, and you become confused, drowsy, and dizzy. If not treated quickly, anaphylaxis can result in hospitalization.
Antihistamines are medicines that bring the histamine levels in your body to a manageable level.
5 ways to protect yourself during allergy season
When it comes to allergies of any kind, prevention is the way to go. If shellfish makes you throw up, you wouldn’t eat lobster, right? If perfume brings you out in a rash, you wouldn’t use scented soap.
Preventing an allergy attack from pollen is trickier because the dust travels in the air. Still, there are ways to keep yourself safe from hay fever:
- Check the pollen forecast in your area regularly and plan your day accordingly. If the pollen count is high, and especially if it’s a dry and windy day, stay inside because these are optimal conditions for pollen to travel.
- If you must go out, wear a suitable mask. Wear sunglasses and cover your hair. When you return, leave your outdoor shoes outside. Change your clothes and throw your pollen-covered clothes into the wash at once. Don’t dry your washed clothes on an outdoor clothesline.
- Keep doors and windows closed. Wipe all household surfaces with a damp cloth and plug up any cracks and gaps to prevent pollen from sneaking in.
- Practice box breathing. This is a form of controlled, mindful breathing that encourages you to use your lungs to full capacity. Make sure to box breathe in a pollen-free space.
The extent and intensity of pollen allergy vary from person to person. It is also possible to spend a lifetime with no problems, and then suddenly develop a pollen allergy.
If you find yourself experiencing the symptoms of hay fever, set up an appointment with your doctor to discuss allergy shots and preventative medication. It’s good to start taking them before the season begins. Also ask your doctor to recommend a suitable antihistamine or nasal decongestant and carry it on your person at all times.