Seasonal allergies, or hay fever, affect millions of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A common cause of hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is produced from trees, weeds and plants that are utilized by bees. Bees cause pollen to enter the air and be carried away by the wind. Someone with a bee pollen allergy will experience cold-like symptoms during high pollen days.
Cause
A person with a bee pollen allergy has an intolerance towards bee pollen. When the pollen is inhaled, the individual's immune system is hypersensitive to the substance and attacks it with antibodies. The antibodies trigger mast cells to produce histamine throughout the upper respiratory system. Histamine irritates the sinuses, eyes and throat, leading to allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a bee pollen allergy are nasal issues, eye irritation, asthma and throat irritation. The sinus cavity becomes inflamed and swollen, cutting off the person's ability to breathe normally. The sinus congestion can lead to sinus pressure, headaches and postnasal drip. The eyes can become irritated, red and extremely itchy. In some cases, the eye can become swollen and produce mucus discharge. Some people with a bee pollen allergy will react with asthmatic symptoms and throat discomfort, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Avoidance
Avoid exposure to bee pollen to reduce the amount of allergy symptoms during allergy season. Keep windows and doors closed, and run air conditioning and use an HEPA air filter in the home. After exposure to the outdoors, take a shower and change clothing to avoid any pollen residue. Check the pollen count on a daily basis to plan your day.
Treatment
Treat a bee pollen allergy with over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants during allergy season. Antihistamines will reduce the amount of histamine in the body, alleviating allergy symptoms. Decongestants will reduce nasal congestion from swollen sinus cavities. If you have a severe allergic reaction to bee pollen, see a doctor, who may prescribe allergy shots.
Eye Treatment
Wear sunglasses to reduce the amount of bee pollen entering the eyes. Wash your hands often to reduce the amount of pollen placed near the eyes. Use a cold compress over the eyes to reduce swelling and irritation in the eyes. Use saline eye drops to wash out the eyes after pollen exposure.
Member Comments