Bee pollen is a combination of various pollens collected by the bee to make honey. If someone has an allergy to pollen, she will develop the same symptoms after exposure to bee pollen. Pollen allergies are the worst during the spring months when trees, weeds and other plant life are blooming. Bee pollen can be found in bee by-products or can be carried by the wind for miles, according to National Jewish Health. Talk with an allergist for the best treatment options.
Allergies
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to particular substances, or allergens, that otherwise don't cause issues in most people. FamilyDoctor.org states that when an allergen, such as bee pollen, enters the body, the immune system fights off the pollen by creating antibodies that release chemicals in the body. This chemical release is what is responsible for common bee pollen allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Exposure to bee pollen will produce common allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, hives, ear congestion and allergic shiners, according to FamilyDoctor.org. The sinuses become inflamed because of the high levels of histamine in the sinus cavity, which leads to congestion, sinus pressure and postnasal drip. The skin can react with hives or eczema, if the person is pre-disposed to eczema flare-ups.
Reduction
Reduce the amount of exposure to bee pollen and other pollens during springtime to reduce allergy symptoms. Keep the windows and doors closed and the air conditioning running during high pollen count days, according to National Jewish Health. After exposure to the outdoors or bee pollen, remove clothing and take a shower to rinse off any pollen residue. Have someone else remove any visible bee hives and do not eat honey or other bee by-products.
Treatment
Treating a bee pollen allergy begins with avoiding bee pollen. Use an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce the general symptoms of bee pollen symptoms. An antihistamine will block the release of histamine in the body, which causes most allergy symptoms. A decongestant is also used to treat nasal congestion from a bee pollen allergy, according to MayoClinic.com.
Complications
In a rare instance, a bee pollen allergy can lead to a life-threatening condition, anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock causes the entire body to experience an allergic reaction, leading to common symptoms such as difficulty breathing, anxiety, lightheadedness and hives, according to MedlinePlus.
Member Comments