Spring is in the air and so are pollens. With the advent of spring, trees and flowers bloom to the glory and so do the pollens.
A heavy concentration of pollens is continuously released into the atmosphere which can travel over miles in the air and cause misery to people susceptible to allergy to pollens. Pollens or tiny grains that are generally released by weeds or grass for the purpose of other plants can sometime enter the immune system, hampering it.
Common pollen allergies during spring
Recurrent bouts of coughing
Breathing difficultly
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Red itchy eyes
Feeling feverish
Headache
There is increased possibility of worsening of symptoms in asthma and the people can have severe acute attack of asthma. Both children and adults can get affected alike, but children and elderly people are more prone.
Whether a person will be allergic to pollens or not is determined by the individual’s immune system. The immune system of susceptible individuals when exposed to the allergic pollens, release certain chemical mediator like histamine inside the body which gives rise to the various clinical manifestation of allergy.
The allergic symptoms continue to trouble the susceptible individuals all through the blooming season that is from mid-February to mid-April. If timely medical consultation is sought, the symptoms of allergy can be effectively ameliorated by appropriate treatment which includes use of anti-allergic medicines, nasal sprays and inhalers etc.
Once identified, it is advisable that the susceptible person should avoid exposure to pollens and other atmospheric allergens as far as possible by using face mask, avoiding areas with high pollen concentration. It is always better to consult your doctor at least 2 -3 weeks prior to spring season so that he can start preventive treatment and then should continue to use anti-allergic medication under his supervision till the pollen season is over.
Dr Manoj K Goel
The author is Director & Unit Head, Dept of Pulmonology, FMRI
