Pollen Allergy Symptoms

Airborne pollens are certainly the most troublesome culprits for seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hayfever and pollen allergy symptoms. From grasses, being the majority, weed and tree pollens, the allergic reactions are triggered by direct contact either breathed in, on the face or on exposed skin such as arms, legs and hands when sitting in the grass or touching plants.

Pollen allergy symptoms are caused by the body’s immune response to pollen inhaled or touched, resulting in acute to chronic inflammation of the nasal passages and eyes or skin as in physical contact. Symptoms can include some or all, sneezing, coughing, runny, stuffy nose, tightness of the chest, headaches, dizziness, fainting, itchy, irritating skin, hives (urticaria), diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea.

In many cases, more than one variety of pollen can be a trigger. Some of the most irritating plants that will bother pollen allergy sufferers include pollen from improved pasture grasses and exotic trees. They are more allergenic than Australian native grasses and trees as referenced by ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy). Introduced weeds include Pellitory Weed (asthma weed), Patterson’s Curse, Ragweed and Parthenium.

Pollens are either carried by birds and animals on their bodies or wind-borne. Summer and spring generally the worst seasons and early morning and early evening being the worst times during the day. Weather will obviously affect pollen levels, windier, during thunderstorms and more humid days are usually more problematic.

If you are diagnosed with a pollen allergy, it is also important to investigate whether there is an underlying condition causing the pollen allergy. This may be another medical condition possibly triggering pollen allergies such as asthma, atopy, anaphylactic reaction, atopic dermatitis, peanut allergy, post-nasal drip, rhinitis medicamentosa.

Pollen counts displayed on TV, internet or newspapers inform the community how many types of pollen there are in the air in any 24 hour period. A reading of 25/400 means that in 1 cubic metre, there are 25 varieties of pollen and 400 molecules. Pollen is rated as low, moderate, high or extreme – the last two categories usually meaning hayfever sufferers start to sneeze.

During spring and summer keep your windows closed in the early morning and early evening when the pollen spores are the most active. Avoid going out during windy days, shower and change clothing after returning home and after gardening to reduce allergens on yourself and inside your home. People with pollen allergies often develop sensitivities to other allergens such as dustmite which are present all year round.

If you have dust mites allergy, dust mite control is essential. Similarly, if you are allergic to pollens or pet hair, remove the cause, reduce the risk and the symptoms.

As part of a comprehensive allergy and asthma natural treatment strategy, dust mite bedding prevent exposure to house dust mites while your children and family sleep. Mould removal can stop coughing and provide welcome relief.

Avoid using toxic dust mite spray and use mattress cleaning professionals, Mitey Fresh, who understand dust mites and the environment they live in. Decrease humidity with a dehumidifier hire and reduce dust mites and their allergens in the home.

Cover mattresses with specifically designed and made, dust mites mattress protectors, providing welcome relief from dust mite allergy symptoms such as coughing and runny nose.

Click here to see our range of dust mite covers.