Pollen allergy
Pollen allergy, also known as hay fever, refers to an allergy to pollen, which are tiny spores that plants release. It is one of the most common forms of allergic reactions that usually affect people during the spring, summer and fall seasons when the levels of pollen are quite high. Sufferers of pollen allergy experience inflammation of the mucous membrane which lines the nose and sinuses due to the presence of allergens in pollen. As a result, you may experience runny, itchy and congested nose; itchy eyes and scratchy throat. While some people are moderately affected by pollen allergy, others with serious allergy find it extremely tough to deal with the problem. In fact, sometimes the symptoms are so severe that it may prevent them from attending school or work.
How is pollen allergy caused?
Pollens are small, light, dry spores that are released by the plants. Once released, they become airborne in search of other plants of their kind to reproduce. But, not all pollens reach their preferred destination; in fact, some in their way enter your nose to cause an allergic reaction. Not everybody is affected by the same allergens in pollen. Sufferers may be allergic to one, several or many types of pollen. Most sufferers are affected by grass pollen, but pollen from trees such as alder, hazel, birch and horse chestnut, besides pollens from weeds including plantains, mugwort and docks, are a significant cause of pollen allergy in many people. Pollen count is known to be high an hour after sun rise. Besides, windy days can be particularly challenging for people with hay fever. This is because the air is more pollen laden on such days. Hence, sufferers should avoid going out on these days as far as possible.
Pollen allergy symptoms
The intensity of your pollen allergy symptoms actually depends on the route of entry of the allergen as well as the organ where the allergic reaction is taking place. Pollens may affect a number of organs like the nose, throat, larynx, trachea and many others resulting in a number of painful symptoms for the individual. When the pollen enters your body through the nose, symptoms of hay fever can appear.
Some of the commonly reported symptoms of pollen allergy include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache, conjunctivitis, watery eyes, nose bleed, flushing and itching in the eyes, nose mouth and throat as well as the different parts of your body. Sufferers may also report mental dullness and fatigue, impaired smell and taste, dark circles around the eyes and slight fever. Children may be affected with allergic salute (rubbing nose using the index finger).
Fortunately, in most cases, the pollen allergy symptoms do not last for a long time. However, if you suffer from pollen allergy attack quite frequently, you also carry the risk of developing asthma. In severe cases, pollen allergy may affect bronchial tubes causing a person to suffer from shortness of breath and wheezing along with chest tightness and pain.
To get relief from pollen allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency of attacks, you can take help of the Qu-Chi band. The Qu-Chi band is an advanced alternative drug-free therapy based on ancient Chinese knowledge of acupressure. The band needs to be worn around the elbow from where it directly works on the acupressure points that hep relieve the symptoms of hay fever. The Qu-Chi band is comfortable to wear and does not cause any side effects.
