#pollinosis

Pollinosis mostly known as hay fever is an allergic disease caused by pollen. It is seasonal and manifests itself in spring and summer during flowering.

CAUSES

The most common cause of hay fever is the seeds and pollen of wind-pollinated plants. These small particles can easily enter the respiratory tract and cause an allergic reaction. An exacerbation usually occurs on hot, windy days when pollen floats in the air.

Pollinosis can be caused by other allergens:

- Dust,

- Wool,

- Smoke from cigarettes.

In this case, the disease can make itself felt throughout the year.

Hay fever is more common in women and appears at a young age. Heredity also plays a role.

SYMPTOMS

Pollinosis is characterized by the following symptoms:

- Stuffy and runny nose;

- Swelling of the pale nasal mucosa;

- Sneezing;

- Breathing problems;

- Itching in the nose and throat;

- Eye inflammation;

- Rash.

Also, hay fever may be accompanied by an attack of bronchial asthma.

DIAGNOSTICS

The diagnosis is carried out on the basis of symptoms, as well as identified contacts with an allergen. As a rule, the examination of the patient is sufficient for making a diagnosis. But to determine the allergen, additional tests are needed. For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor performs the following actions:

- Patient examination;

- Collecting anamnesis (history of the disease);

- Tests to identify the allergen.

It is carried out by the method of cutaneous or intradermal test. Possible allergens are introduced into the body, after the injection, a reaction (redness and swelling) occurs within 20 minutes

TREATMENT

For the treatment of hay fever, antihistamines (antiallergic) drugs, anti-inflammatory, and vasoconstrictor drugs are prescribed:

- Latest generation antihistamines do not cause sleepiness or other adverse reactions that could negatively affect the patient's life. But in severe symptoms, first-generation drugs can be a better choice.

- Anti-inflammatory drugs are applied topically to suppress the inflammatory response in the nose.

- Vasoconstrictor drugs relieve swelling, eliminating airway congestion.

For severe attacks of hay fever, the patient may also be prescribed immunotherapy a series of procedures during which small doses of the allergen are injected into the body. In this case, the dose is gradually increased. Immunotherapy leads to a decrease in allergen response in most cases. The effect can last for 3-5 years. But keep in mind that only a qualified specialist, an allergist/immunologist, can perform such treatment. You cannot do it on your own or use the help of any uncertified healers. The procedure can be dangerous in the wrong hands because the treatment is made not with the drug but with the disease-provoking factors.

PREVENTION