Springtime allergies, or hay fever, affect about 30 percent of the American population, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. One of the main causes of springtime allergies is the increased levels of pollen in the air, according to the Merck Manuals. Pollen count is the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air. People who are allergic to pollen will develop allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes and nasal congestion, when the pollen count is high. An allergist can confirm a pollen allergy, and local weather reports often include the pollen count.
About Pollen
The most common types of pollen that affect allergies are tree pollen, weed pollen and grass pollen, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. During spring, these plants begin to bud, producing high levels of pollen. Pollen is carried by the wind and can easily be inhaled, causing sinus allergies and allergy-induced asthma. Pollen counts are the highest during the spring and fall in the United States, according to the Merck Manuals.
Cause
Allergies are caused by a hypersensitivity to pollens from trees, weeds and grasses, according to National Jewish Health. The immune system recognizes pollen as a harmful substance and attempts to fight it off by attacking it with antibodies, which causes histamine production. High levels of histamine produce common allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of allergies from pollen are nasal irritation, eye irritation and throat irritation, according to the Merck Manuals. The sinuses become inflamed and swollen, leading to sinus headaches, postnasal drip and congestion. The eyes turn red, become watery and the outer area of the eye can become swollen. This condition is called allergic conjunctivitis. The throat feels scratchy and ticklish.
Treatment
National Jewish Health states that the most effective way to treat allergies from high pollen counts is to avoid exposure by staying indoors. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states pollen counts are at their highest during the morning from 5 to 10 a.m. Sufferers should run the air conditioning while indoors and keep the windows closed while traveling in a car. Taking a shower and changing clothing after being outdoors help, too. Certain drugs are used to treat allergy symptoms, such as antihistamines and decongestants. Most are available over the counter.
Consideration
The Merck Manuals state that allergy shots may be beneficial for people with allergies from high pollen counts. Because pollen is unavoidable, allergy shots may help reduce the symptoms. Allergy shots are given over a few years and work by desensitizing the immune system to pollen.
