Pollen allergies are becoming increasingly common. This condition, better known as hay fever, is very unpleasant and can even be very serious for some people. So what are the solutions for treating and avoiding this disease? Let's see what treatments are available today for pollen allergies.
Identifying the allergen
First of all, it is important to know the source of the allergy in order to find the appropriate solution. For this, a consultation with an allergist is necessary to check whether the symptoms are related to allergic reactions or not. A blood test will determine whether the allergen is a pollen, animal, food or chemical. Once the allergen has been identified, the appropriate treatment can be determined.
Limiting exposure
The first step is often to limit exposure to the allergen. Contact with the allergen can be reduced or eliminated completely to reduce symptoms.
In the case of pollen allergies, this means avoiding places where there is a lot of pollen :
such as fields
staying indoors
closing doors and windows
using air conditioners and air purifiers
using a suitable mask when outdoors
In addition, keeping a calendar of pollen peaks can help to identify the days when the risk of allergy is highest and thus take the necessary precautions.
Use anti-allergy medication
The symptoms of a pollen allergy can be relieved by anti-histamine or other medications that block the substances that cause allergies. These medicines can be taken before exposure to the allergen, after exposure or even as a preventative measure, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some medicines can also be administered by injection for a faster and stronger action. It is therefore important to consult a doctor in order to choose the most appropriate medication for each situation.
Taking an immunotherapy treatment
Immunotherapy, better known as allergy therapy, can be considered for people with pollen allergies. This is a method of administering a gradually increasing dose of the allergy product so that the body becomes accustomed and less sensitive to the allergen. This treatment is usually offered over a period of 3 years and can significantly reduce allergy symptoms.
Avoiding aggravating factors
Finally, certain factors can aggravate allergy symptoms, such as smoking, alcohol, stress, sudden changes in temperature, etc. It is therefore important to limit these factors. It is therefore important to limit these factors in order to limit allergic symptoms.
Pollen allergies are becoming increasingly common and can cause very unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, there are several solutions to limit these symptoms, including identifying the allergen, limiting exposure to the allergen, using anti-allergy medication, following an immunotherapy treatment and avoiding aggravating factors. A consultation with an allergist is recommended to determine the best treatment for each person.
To find out more, you can read our special file on pollen allergy