Allergy is an immune reaction that causes symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and fatigue. While any substance can cause allergic reaction, plant pollen is among the most common offenders. People with plant allergies react to the pollen released seasonally by grass, trees and weeds. Understanding the signs and symptoms of plant allergy can help you reduce exposure and treat symptoms as they arise.
Types
Plants reproduce by producing pollen, which is carried to other plants by wind or insects like bees. Plants that produce large amounts of lightweight pollen and rely on the wind for pollination---such as grasses, weeds and trees---are more likely to trigger allergies than plants with large, showy flowers.
Symptoms
Plant allergies cause a wide array of symptoms that can make life miserable for allergy sufferers. The most common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes and sinus pressure. Symptoms are generally worst when pollen levels are the highest in the fall or spring, but may also persist throughout the summer months. In some cases, allergies can cause extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms not commonly attributed to plant allergy.
Allergy symptoms are often mistaken for colds or other viral infections. According to MayoClinic.com, allergies do not typically produce fever, thick nasal discharge or body aches associated with the common cold.
Complications
While plant allergy in itself is relatively harmless, it may lead to other problems. According to Medline Plus, nasal allergies can result in acute sinus infection by causing inflammation that traps bacteria in the sinuses. Left untreated, sinus infection may progress to more serious conditions, such as meningitis, abscess and orbital cellulitis---a painful infection of the eye.
For some asthma sufferers, exposure to pollen and other allergens triggers a worsening of symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Not only does asthma interfere with productivity and quality of life, it can also lead to permanent narrowing of the airways and even death.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention is the best treatment for plant allergies. While it's impossible to avoid pollen completely, you can reduce your exposure by keeping windows closed in your home and car and using a heater or air conditioner instead. Bathe and wash your hair before going to bed each night, and wash clothes immediately after coming indoors to avoid bringing pollen into the home. Check daily pollen counts in your area, and avoid outdoor exercise like jogging when pollen levels are highest in the early morning hours.
Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can help reduce the immune system's response to plant pollen. Other options for treating seasonal plant allergies include immunotherapy, dietary modifications and alternative therapies like acupuncture and homeopathy.
Considerations
Knowing your specific allergy triggers is helpful for finding the most effective treatment. Allergy testing performed by a physician or immunologist can help pinpoint which types of plants are causing symptoms, thereby allowing you to monitor their levels and minimize exposure. Because plants pollinate during different seasons, knowing your triggers enables you to take preventative measures and reduce your symptoms.
