2024-04-12 05:30:30
Even though the government has implemented live monitoring of daily pollen counts, you can find more measures to protect yourself. here’s how preparing for spring and dealing with pollen allergy which comes back every year.
Definition of pollen allergy and its impact on quality of life
Pollen allergy is a excessive reaction of the immune system in contact with the volatile elements of pollination in spring. This allergy is also called ” hay fever “ in the most common cases. In France, it affects nearly one in three adults and 20% of children over 9 years old, according to ANSES. Pollen is transported by the wind (anemophilic pollen) or insects (entomophilic pollen). Anemophilous pollens are emitted in large quantities by plants such as:
Betulaceae: birch, hornbeam, alder, hazel Platanaceae: plane tree Fagaceae: oak, beech, chestnut Salicaceae: poplar, willow Cupressaceae: cypress, thuja, juniper Oleaceae: ash, olive, privet
Pollen allergy usually triggers sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, conjunctivitis and coughing. It can also considerably weaken general immunity and cause tiredness. These symptoms impair the quality of life of those affected. In the most serious cases, it can trigger asthma attacks accompanied by shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
To know ! Don’t wait to consult: pollen allergy requires a rapid diagnosis. The treatments offered provide rapid relief of symptoms.
Read also – Early spring, pollens are back!
Preparing for Spring and Fighting Pollen Allergies
Relieve allergy
Pour effectively treat pollen allergy, several approaches are possible, from conventional medicine to natural solutions. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are often prescribed to relieve symptoms. However, it is sometimes possible to resort to desensitization (ITA allergen immunotherapy). It will then be necessary to carry out a follow-up with an allergist. As for natural solutions, a course of probiotics in February and March can strengthen the microbiota responsible for immunity. Certain inflammatory foods like lactose and gluten should be avoided, while foods rich in omega-3, vitamins E and C, and probiotics can be favored. Quercetin, found in foods like turmeric or in capsule form, may also be beneficial. The use ofessential oils like true lavender and radiant eucalyptus can help reduce sneezing attacks and clear the airways. Perform regular inhalations and use physiological serum morning and evening to clean the eyes.
Prevention actions during spring
To apprehend spring, a few preventive actions are recommended:
Indoors, it is advisable to rinse the hair in the evening to eliminate pollen, to ventilate the house before sunrise and after sunset. And avoid irritating or allergenic substances such as tobacco and indoor perfumes. Outdoors, it is recommended to avoid activities that cause over-exposure to pollen, such as mowing the lawn. Favor the beginning or end of the day for walks in nature. Wearing protective glasses and a mask may also be helpful. Tying your hair up prevents pollen from settling there. Finally, keep car windows closed when traveling. Read also – Pollen allergies and food supplements: caution!
Causes of an increase in spring allergies
According to the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network, half of the population will be affected by pollen allergy in 2050, due to climate change and air pollution. Urban pollution increases the toxicity of pollen by weakening their surface and releasing more allergenic volatiles. Meteorology also influences pollination, with variations linked to heat, humidity, rain and wind. Global warming contributes to early pollen seasons, more intense and longer. Allergies no longer only affect atopic people (people genetically predisposed to allergies) but more widely the general population. This increase is also based on changes to the urban landscape which favor the appearance of allergenic species. Indeed, the planting of allergenic trees and the selection of species has created an allergenic climate in cities. Elsewhere, it is the lack of diversity which causes greater allergenic sequences.
Read also – Focus on a cross allergy that is growing: pollen-food syndrome
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