Ah, springtime. The sun shines and the bees buzz. And for millions of Americans, it’s time to lock every window, blast the AC and hope that the wonderful spring air—and all the pollen it carries—never makes its way indoors.
Hay fever does not require hay, and there’s no fever.
Known by the white coats as seasonal allergic rhinitis, or pollenosis, hay fever is the immune system’s exaggerated response to pollen or to mold spores—both otherwise innocuous intruders. Not everyone gets hay fever, but the one in four Americans who do, they experience inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages and upper respiratory system. The end result is a miserable combination of sneezing, loose mucus and itchy eyes, nose and throat. In an especially cruel twist, lethargy and drowsiness is often coupled with insomnia.
You can learn whether it’s a bad pollen day before you step outside.
The National Allergy Bureau tracks pollen and mold counts all around the country. To track the density of these allergens in your area, see the regularly updated NAB report here.
Allergic reactions do not change every seven years.
That’s an old wives’ tale. You can become allergic at any time in your life. Most people peak in their teens or early 20s. Children frequently develop allergies at a young age, though their condition may improve as they reach adolescence (suggesting that hormones play a role). Because allergic reactions are disproportionate responses of the immune system, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to wane as people age and the immune system gradually becomes less reactive.
Pollen probably won’t kill you.
Unlike the severe, or anaphylactic, response experienced by people with strong allergies to foods or insect bites, pollen allergies are very rarely life-threatening. However, asthmatics and other people with compromised respiratory systems are warned to take precautions when pollen counts are high. An allergic reaction to pollen or mold spores can trigger an asthma attack.
When you just can’t take it, medicine can help.
Over-the-counter remedies provide adequate relief for many sufferers. Most prescribed antihistamines will provide the same degree of effectiveness as OTCs, but for longer duration and without the side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dry mouth). Some doctors will prescribe corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray; like other steroids, these meds fight symptoms by reducing inflammation. For people whose allergies severely impact their quality of living, immunotherapy is often recommended. In this three- to five-year process, patients receive injections of the allergens they’re sensitive to, with the goal of eventually desensitizing the immune system. It’s an effective treatment; in time, about 75 percent of patients see a reduction or even eradication of allergy symptoms, without any medication.
Hay fever does not require hay, and there’s no fever.
Known by the white coats as seasonal allergic rhinitis, or pollenosis, hay fever is the immune system’s exaggerated response to pollen or to mold spores—both otherwise innocuous intruders. Not everyone gets hay fever, but the one in four Americans who do, they experience inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages and upper respiratory system. The end result is a miserable combination of sneezing, loose mucus and itchy eyes, nose and throat. In an especially cruel twist, lethargy and drowsiness is often coupled with insomnia.
You can learn whether it’s a bad pollen day before you step outside.
The National Allergy Bureau tracks pollen and mold counts all around the country. To track the density of these allergens in your area, see the regularly updated NAB report here.
Allergic reactions do not change every seven years.
That’s an old wives’ tale. You can become allergic at any time in your life. Most people peak in their teens or early 20s. Children frequently develop allergies at a young age, though their condition may improve as they reach adolescence (suggesting that hormones play a role). Because allergic reactions are disproportionate responses of the immune system, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to wane as people age and the immune system gradually becomes less reactive.
Pollen probably won’t kill you.
Unlike the severe, or anaphylactic, response experienced by people with strong allergies to foods or insect bites, pollen allergies are very rarely life-threatening. However, asthmatics and other people with compromised respiratory systems are warned to take precautions when pollen counts are high. An allergic reaction to pollen or mold spores can trigger an asthma attack.
When you just can’t take it, medicine can help.
Over-the-counter remedies provide adequate relief for many sufferers. Most prescribed antihistamines will provide the same degree of effectiveness as OTCs, but for longer duration and without the side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dry mouth). Some doctors will prescribe corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray; like other steroids, these meds fight symptoms by reducing inflammation. For people whose allergies severely impact their quality of living, immunotherapy is often recommended. In this three- to five-year process, patients receive injections of the allergens they’re sensitive to, with the goal of eventually desensitizing the immune system. It’s an effective treatment; in time, about 75 percent of patients see a reduction or even eradication of allergy symptoms, without any medication.
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