It’s not just tree pollen that triggers seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Those of herbaceous plants too, and they can even be the cause of severe allergies. This is the case with mugwort.
Mugwort pollen allergy: where and when to be wary (map, period)?
The mugwort pollination period is rather late: it starts from mid-June, develops in July, and reaches its peak during the first fortnight of the August.
What does mugwort look like (pictured)? Does it have a smell?
To avoid as much as possible coming into contact with sagebrush, you still need to know how to recognize them. Mugwort (Artemisia) is an often aromatic perennial herbaceous plant. There are about 300 different species of mugwort.
The most common species is theMugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). She is often referred to as ” weed “ because it grows mainly on the side of roads, paths, and in wastelands. It is therefore very widespread in metropolitan France and in Europe. Artemisia common or common can reach 50 cm to 150 cm high. Its foliage is dark green above and silvery gray below. Mugwort gives off a strong smell, especially when crumpled between your fingers.
Another species of mugwort that is frequently found in our latitudes: l’absinthe (Artemisia absinthium). Distilled, it gives the famous absinthe liqueur (again authorized in France since 1988).
What are the pollens circulating at the moment?
To find out about the distribution and progress of pollen in France (in France and overseas), consult the maps and forecasts from the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA)).
Why is mugwort pollen allergenic?
As a reminder, allergy, whether respiratory, food or skin, is linked to a disruption of the immune system: the body of allergic people perceives certain allergens as “dangerous” (here it is pollen) and reacts Consequently. When in contact with mugwort pollen, it produces specific antibodies (IgE) which release several chemical mediators, in particular histamine, at the origin of the characteristic symptoms of allergy.
Not all pollens are allergenic. To cause allergy symptoms, it is essential that the pollen grains reach the respiratory mucous membranes of people. And, as the RNSA explains (source 1) these are the pollen carried by the wind which are the most allergenic. This is the case of mugwort: these plants are said to be anemophilous. To be distinguished from entomophilous plants, “which require the intervention of an insect to ensure their fertilization by transferring the pollen from the original male flower to the female flower. »
Mugwort’s allergenic potential is considered strong. As such, this herb cannot be planted in urban areas.
Artemisia allergy: what is the risk of cross-allergy with food?
It can happen that a person allergic to a food reacts to a respiratory allergen, for example a pollen. This is then referred to as a cross-allergy. The mechanism involved: certain pollens and foods contain allergenic proteins whose structure is very similar.
In the case of mugwort pollen, there is a risk of cross-allergy, especially with the following foods (many of them belong to the Umbelliferae family):
- celery
- carrots,
- fennel,
- coriander,
- parsley,
- fishing,
- spices: anise, pepper, paprika, cumin…
Allergic reaction to mugwort: what symptoms?
THE symptoms of this pollinosis are identical to those of other pollen allergies. The main manifestations are:
- sneezing
- nasal congestion (stuffy feeling)
- runny nose
- watery or “itchy” eyes
- itching in the palate.
If you have asthma, grass pollen can make asthma symptoms worse (allergic asthma).
If rhinitis persists outside the pollination season, your respiratory allergy is probably not due to pollens, but to other substances such as molds, dust mites, etc.
As soon as the first symptoms of allergic rhinitis appear, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. He will be able to offer you an appropriate treatment. He can also refer you to an allergist doctor for confirm the diagnosis through skin testing.
Respiratory allergy to mugwort: what prevention? what treatments? ?
Watch for mugwort pollen in your area using free applications (Alerte Pollens, Pollen, etc.). Being informed in advance will allow you to take an antihistamine before the announced peak.
Once the sagebrush pollination period is in full swing, it is possible to limit the risk of exposure and allergic attacks by adopting a few daily rules, such as wearing sunglasses when you go out, or even not do not dry clothes outside. Nose washing is highly recommended every day.
During the pollen season, treatment aims to relieve symptoms and make daily life less disabling. It is usuallyantihistamine second generation (better tolerated than first generation) to be taken orally.
Of the corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray can be prescribed. As well as eye drops to calm irritation in the eyes.
In case of allergic asthma, the doctor also prescribes a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory background treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.
Once the pollen season is over, it will be possible to start a desensitization, the only treatment to put a definitive end to this allergy to pollen. It consists in administering extracts of the allergen in question, in progressive doses, in order to make the person tolerant to this substance.