It is a known fact that allergies can trigger a variety of symptoms but everyone will surely experience a certain degree of discomfort at some point. An individual can be allergic to pet dander, pollen, foods, dust and even plants. Pollen allergy is quite common and usually causes runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and sore throat.
The less common symptoms include itchy skin, hives, cough, body aches and mood changes. You can readily manage the symptoms experiences by the individual during an allergic reaction if you will register for first aid training today.
Reactions to histamine
Histamine is the substance that is responsible for triggering inflammation in the body. It is considered as the source of most cases of allergic reactions including pollen allergy. After the individual is exposed to pollen, the body responds to it as an external threat by generating antibodies and natural chemicals called histamine. Take note that histamine is responsible for triggering the symptoms usually linked with allergies, including runny nose and watery eyes.
Hay fever
Hay fever occurs right after the individual was exposed to allergens such as flowers, pollen and grasses. Since hay fever is linked with plants, the individual might experience the allergy symptoms at a stronger manner in different seasonal times. The seasonal allergies typically start during childhood but an individual can develop it during adulthood or when moving to a new area where the individual is not used to the environment.
Cold versus allergies
Allergies including pollen allergy can make an individual feel miserable and the symptoms are often similar to the common cold. Nevertheless, some characteristics often distinguish allergies from the common cold.
Allergies are more likely to instigate scratchy throat, runny nose and itchy eyes while colds are likely to cause fever and body aches. On the other hand, it is also possible for the individual to experience body aches during an allergic reaction. The onset and length of the symptoms can be used to identify if it is a cold or an allergy. The onset of allergies is usually right after exposure to pollen and persists as long as exposed to the allergen. As for common cold, it is gradual and ends within a span of 5-7 days.
Treatment for pollen allergy
Pollen allergy can be managed with antihistamine medications that can be over-the-counter or prescription. Take note that these medications work by blocking the histamine but can cause dry mouth and drowsiness. The individual should be well aware of the potential side effects of these medications.
Nasal sprays and corticosteroids can be prescribed which helps minimize the swelling in the nasal passages. In some cases, natural treatment can be opted which involves using a neti pot which works by irrigating the sinuses using salt water and drains out the histamine present in the nose.