Hay Fever – More Than Just a Runny Nose. How to Recognize Pollen Allergy and What to Do About It

Hay Fever – More Than Just a Runny Nose. How to Recognize Pollen Allergy and What to Do About It?

Spring is a beautiful season, but for people with allergies, it can be a challenging time. As nature awakens, a large amount of pollen appears in the air, triggering allergic reactions – hay fever. This condition affects both adults and children.

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is a seasonal allergy to plant pollen, manifesting as a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and even difficulty breathing. It is less common in children under 3 years old, as developing an allergy requires exposure to the allergen over several seasons.

Hay Fever is Not Limited to Spring:

  • Spring – tree and shrub pollen
  • Summer – grass pollen
  • Autumn – weed pollen

Why is This Important?

Pollen easily spreads with the wind over long distances. A person may experience symptoms even before plants actively pollinate. Cross-reactivity is also common – a reaction to several related allergens, such as pollen and certain fruits or vegetables.

Main Symptoms of Hay Fever:

  • Runny nose, nasal itching, congestion
  • Redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes
  • Sneezing, coughing
  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing
  • Headache, sleep disturbances
  • Skin itching, rashes
  • Unpleasant sensations in the mouth after eating fruits and vegetables

What to Do?

If you notice allergy symptoms every year at the same time, avoid self-medication. Consult a doctor – internist, pediatrician, or family physician. Hay fever symptoms can mimic prolonged viral infections, parasitic invasions, eye demodicosis, etc.

Modern Diagnostics – ALEX 2 Test

We recommend undergoing the molecular allergy test ALEX 2, which allows for:

  • Detection of reactions to 295 allergens
  • Identification of primary and cross-reactive allergies
  • Development of an individual treatment plan

The test is suitable even for children from 6 months of age and can be performed at any time of the year, even during symptom exacerbation.
Learn more about the ALEX 2 test and the possibilities of accurate allergy diagnostics here.

Treatment

  • Symptomatic treatment: antihistamines, hormonal sprays, antileukotriene agents
  • ASIT (Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy): administration of small doses of the allergen with gradual increase. A method that truly changes the course of the allergy, reduces the risk of developing bronchial asthma and new sensitizations.

Tips During Pollen Season:

  • Avoid walks in dry, windy weather
  • Keep windows closed at home and in the car
  • Perform wet cleaning
  • After returning home – rinse your nose, change clothes, wash your face
  • Wash pets’ paws after walks
  • Do not dry clothes on the balcony

At Moja Rodzina Medical Center, we conduct comprehensive allergy diagnostics and select effective treatments for each patient.

Early diagnosis and properly selected treatment significantly improve quality of life. Take care of yourself – we’re here to help. ?

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