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Pollen allergies are reactions to wind-pollinated grasses, weeds, and trees and they usually occur during the spring months, though they can happen at any time of year. Pollen is wind-borne so it can blow indoors through open doors and windows. Symptoms of pollen allergy include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, dark under eye circles, watering and red eyes, and itchy nose, throat, and eyes. There is currently no cure for pollen allergies but there are several treatments.

Avoidance:

Step 1: Move to a place where the allergen does not grow. However, there is no guarantee that the person will not later develop allergies to other pollens.

Step 2: Stay indoors when high levels of outdoor pollen exist. Avoid going outside during the early morning and late afternoon because pollen levels are highest.

Step 3: Wear a dust and pollen mask when working outside the home. The mask filters the pollen from the air going into the nose.

Step 4: Wash your hair before sleeping. This will keep the pollen from landing on the pillow.

Step 5: Do not hang laundry outside where it can trap pollen.

Step 5: Regularly clean heater and air conditioner units and replace filters.

Step 6: Avoid irritants like smoke, dust, and paint that may aggravate pollen allergy symptoms.

Medication:

• Antihistamines counter the histamines that contribute to allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal swelling, nasal stuffiness, and itchy eyes, throat, and nose. Side effects of this medication include drowsiness as well as loss of coordination and alertness.

• Nasal decongestants relieve blocked nasal passages. Prolonged or frequent use of nasal decongestant sprays should be avoided because it can result in increased congestion and swelling.
• Corticosteroids inhibit the production of mucous and reduce nasal inflammation. They are available as metered dose nasal sprays. Side effects include sore throat and nasal dryness and burning.

• Cromolyn sodium is a prescription nasal solution that prevents histamine release.

• Allergy shots injected by a physician have the goal of increasing tolerance to the triggering pollen.

Home Remedies:

• Nasal irrigation using salt water as a flush for dried mucus and bacteria from the sinuses and nose

• Saline sprays designed to moisturize dry or irritated mucous membranes

• Steam inhalation to moisturize and sooth irritated sinus and nasal membranes

• Aromatherapy essential oil vapor used during steam inhalation

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