If you've been diagnosed with a eucalyptus pollen allergy, the most effective treatment is to avoid exposure to the pollen. No matter how much your keep your house shut-up, stay indoors and wash your hands after being outside, there's no way to completely avoid eucalyptus pollen. Certain medications and immunotherapy can help relive your allergy symptoms related to eucalyptus pollen. Talk with your family doctor and your allergist before implementing any medications to treat your symptoms.
Eucalyptus Pollen Allergy
A eucalyptus pollen allergy occurs when you inhale eucalyptus pollen and your immune system mistakes the pollen for a dangerous substance. An eucalyptus pollen allergy mainly affects your upper-respiratory system with symptoms mainly in and around your sinuses. Common symptoms include sinus congestion, runny nose, sinus headaches, postnasal drip, eye irritation, throat irritation, shortness of breath, swelling of the eyes and coughing. Most symptoms are the result of increased histamine production in the soft tissue where symptoms develop.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are drugs that block the ability of your mast cells to produce histamine. During a eucalyptus pollen allergy, your immune system releases immunoglobulin E antibodies to attack the substance. The introduction of these antibodies into your blood stream triggers your mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine is a chemical that naturally protects your body from infection but in large amounts causes inflammation. More recent antihistamines are available in non-drowsy forms that when taken as directed can prevent and treat common pollen allergy symptoms.
Nasal Medications
Because the sinuses are one of the primary parts of the body affected by an eucalyptus pollen allergy, many allergy medications contain decongestants and corticosteroids. Decongestants are sold over-the-counter and restrict the blood flow to your sinus cavities, reducing the swelling and inflammation. Corticosteroids are a prescribed medication that is intended for prevention and treatment of sinus inflammation due to allergies. Nasal spray corticosteroids are intended for long-term use and do not provide immediate relief to sinus congestion.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a therapy commonly used to treat symptoms of an eucalyptus pollen allergy. Immunotherapy is performed by an allergist and is typically administered only if other medications do not provide relief. During this therapy your allergist injects a small amount of the eucalyptus pollen into your body. Over a few years the amount of pollen that is injected slowly increases, desensitizing your immune system to the allergen. Eventually, your symptoms may completely go away or may be significantly reduced.
