Just because you're allergic to certain airborne pollen doesn't mean you'll have an allergy to bee pollen. Bee pollen is a byproduct of bees collecting different pollens from various sources. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, bee pollen is sold as a dietary supplement that has been used to treat allergies, alcoholism, asthma, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer prevention and to enhance your overall strength and stamina. As of 2011, bee pollen has not been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness or potency. Talk with your doctor before using bee pollen supplements.
Allergic Reactions
According to drugs.com, most people who develop an allergic reaction to bee pollen experience the reaction after taking at least 15 mL of the substance. In rare instances, the ingestion of bee pollen can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which could lead to life-threatening symptoms.
Bee Pollen Hypersensitivity
Some people are allergic to bee pollen because their immune systems mistake the substance as a danger. Although bee pollen is harmless, your immune system overreacts to it the same way it would react to a virus or parasite. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the body creates immunoglobulin E antibodies to fight off the bee pollen. This reaction causes mast cells to create histamine, a chemical that protects against infection. Histamine in soft tissues causes inflammation and swelling throughout the body.
Effects
As histamine levels increase, various systems in the body develop diverse symptoms. Symptoms of a bee pollen allergy can be minor to severe, depending on the severity of the reaction. Common symptoms in the digestive system include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, stomach pain and bloating. Respiratory symptoms include sinus congestion, runny nose, sinus headaches, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. Your skin can become inflamed and produce hives or eczema. Cardiovascular symptoms can include lightheadedness, dizziness, an increased heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.
Hay Fever Consideration
If you've been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, you have a greater chance of developing an allergic reaction to bee pollen. Hay fever is a chronic condition that causes an allergic reaction from inhaling pollen. If you have a known pollen allergy, consuming bee pollen can trigger such an allergic reaction.
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