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 Clinic, we conduct comprehensive allergy diagnostics and select effective treatments for each patient.

Schedule a consultation:

🌐 www.klinikamojarodzina.pl
📞 +48 729 855 896
🏢 You can also register in person at the clinic
📍 Address: ul. 29 listopada 18a/4, Warszawa

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

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