Pollination is the process of moving pollen from one plant to another. It is through this process that plant reproduction happens. Unfortunately, along with staying on mission to fertilize plants and tree flowers, pollen particles often end up in our noses, eyes, ears and mouths.
Pollen allergy, most commonly known as hay fever, inflicts one out of ten individuals. Hay fever is seasonal allergic rhinitis and it is characterized by regular bouts of sneezing, a runny, clogged or itchy nose, itchy, watery red eyes, and an itchy throat.
The Awful Truth
Allergic rhinitis is serious and debilitating. Unchecked, allergic rhinitis can affect your quality of life. Not only does it cause nasal obstruction, excessive sneezing and watery eyes. It also causes sleep disturbances and consequently, daytime fatigue. Moreover, chronic attacks of allergic rhinitis make one susceptible to viral and bacterial infections which can lead to worsening of asthma and respiratory ailments.
Unfortunately, a lot of people who suffer from allergic rhinitis misdiagnose themselves and think they are suffering from the common cold.
The Uncommon Cold
To distinguish allergy symptoms from a cold, check whether your symptoms are short-lived and does not follow a pattern. For instance, victims of seasonal allergic rhinitis will notice that they suffer from symptoms at certain times of the year (pollen season) and usually when they have been outdoors, thus being exposed to pollen proliferating the air.
Also, cold tends to be short-lived, results in thicker nasal secretions, and is usually associated with sore throat, hoarseness, malaise, and fever.
Bless You!
Once you’ve determined that your sneezing bouts are indeed due to seasonal allergies, the most important step to take is to avoid pollen as much as possible. Try to stay indoors when pollen levels are highest. During the grass pollen season (cogon grass), pollen levels are highest in the evening.
It will also help to keep the windows in your house closed and if possible, avoid mowing grass and other yard work that will take you outside.
Of course no matter how much care and precautions you take, there will be times when pollen will be inescapable. For instances such as those, you have to beef up on the easily available relief of choice.
Nasal Corticosteroids
These are typically sprayed or inhaled into the nose once or twice a day. The newer drugs in this category are Nasonex (mometasone furoate) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate). Side effects may include stinging in the nose.
Oral Antihistamines
These drugs, which are available in both OTC and prescription forms, counteract the action of histamine, a substance released in the body during an allergic reaction. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) are examples of OTC antihistamines. Drowsiness is a common side effect, so don’t take the drug when you have to drive, operate machinery, or engage in other activities that require you to be alert. Or ask about no-drowse variety.
You could try newer and relatively non-sedating antihistamines that are available by prescription such as Clarinex (desloratadine), Claritin (loratadine), or Allegra (fexofenadine). Zyrtec (cetirizine), also available by prescription, has sedation frequency slightly higher than the relatively non-sedating antihistamines mentioned above.
Last May, the FDA held a public hearing that discussed whether Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec should be moved from prescription to OTC status. The FDA has not made a final decision yet.
Decongestants
Decongestants are available both by prescription and over-the-counter. These drugs come in oral and nasal spray forms, and are sometimes recommended in combination with antihistamines.
Antihistamines alone do not have an effect on nasal congestion. Allegra D (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine) is an example of a prescription drug that contains both an antihistamine (fexofenadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Note that prolonged use of nose sprays and drops can result in even worse nasal congestion.
Non-Steroidal Nasal Sprays
NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium) nasal spray which is available without a prescription, can help prevent symptoms of allergic rhinitis if used before symptoms start. It’s a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and needs to be used more often than the nasal steroids, three to four times a day.