Spring allergies are one of the most frequent health problems among the population. The most frequent type of allergy at this time is the so-called allergy to pollen, seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, caused by the pollination of plants in spring.
According to the Spanish Ministry of Health, rhino conjunctivitis derived from allergy to pollen represents 57% of allergic rhinitis treated in expert consultations. It is a common disease that affects 15% of the population in developed countries, being more frequent between 14 and 24 years of age.
What is a pollen allergy?
The Valencian Association of Allergology and Clinical Immunology defines allergy as “an exaggerated reaction of the body to a substance that it perceives as a harmful agent”. This substance does not have to be harmful to the body, but the immune system detects it as a threat and an allergic reaction occurs.
In the case of allergy to pollen, the triggering agent is the dust released by some plants during their reproduction process, normally in spring. It contains the male component of the process and is called pollen.
It should be taken into account that the incidence of pollination during the spring depends on the rainfall that has occurred in the cold season, since it determines a greater or lesser germination of the plants. In addition, pollen concentrations increase according to the weather of the season, more abundant on dry and hot days and less on rainy days.
Symptoms and diagnosis of pollen allergy
The most frequent symptoms are nasal congestion, rhinitis, eye irritation, sneezing, and respiratory distress. In the most extreme cases, allergy to pollen can cause asthma or affect people who suffer from this pathology.
To diagnose this type of allergy, skin tests are performed, that is, an attempt is made to reproduce the reaction to a substance on the skin and thus determine whether or not it is sensitive to it. There are two types, the prick test, in which a drop of the substance is applied to the skin and pierced superficially with a lancet, and the intradermal test, in which a small amount of the substance is introduced into the superficial skin layer.
Treatment of pollen allergies
Pollen allergies are usually treated with antihistamines or decongestants, although phototherapy is also used, the application of medicinal plants such as nettle or licorice, but always on the recommendation of a specialist.
Immunological techniques are also used through vaccines that contain pollen extracts. They are applied orally in progressive doses to increase the tolerance of the immune system.