Pollen Allergy Treatment in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, And Al Ain
Overview
Pollen is powder particles emitted by trees, plants, grasses, and weeds to fertilize adjacent trees or plants throughout their flowering season and can travel a great distance through air, insects, and birds. When inhaled, pollen can trigger asthma attacks, swollen eyes and nasal passages, and other immune system responses for some patients.
What are the symptoms of pollen allergy?
Some people experience allergy symptoms throughout the year, while others only experience them at certain seasons of the year, depending on their allergies.
Symptoms can vary depending on each person’s immune system response, and they include the following:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Watery, itchy, or irritated eyes
- Eye swelling
- Weakness or fatigue
- Hives
What are the types of pollen allergy?
Hundreds of plant species emit pollen into the air, causing allergic reactions for many individuals; among them are:
- Birch pollen allergy: most common during the spring when birch trees blossom and release pollen grains carried by the wind.
- Oak pollen allergy: While oak pollen is considered less allergic than other tree pollen, it remains in the air for long periods during the spring, causing severe allergic reactions for some people.
- Grass pollen allergy: grass pollen, like perennial rye, Bermuda grass, and bluegrass, is the most common cause of pollen allergy symptoms in the spring and summer.
How is pollen allergy diagnosed?
Our expert allergists will inquire about your medical history and symptoms, such as when they began, how long they’ve lasted, and whether they’re constantly present or get better or worse at different seasons. Allergy testing usually involves the following:
Skin Prick Test (SPT)
An SPT involves applying a small drop of the suspected allergen to your skin, then using a needle to puncture or scratch the location through the drop delicately. If you have immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies (proteins in the immune system) against that allergen, the spot will grow red, enlarge, and itch within 15 to 20 minutes.
Specific IgE Blood Test
Your physician will draw a blood sample and add the allergen to it in order to assess the number of antibodies your blood produces to resist allergens. This test can be beneficial if you have a skin condition or taking medications that interfere with skin testing.
How is pollen allergy treated?
Pollen allergy symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter and prescription medications, including:
- Antihistamine tablets or syrups
- Intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays (INCS)
- Decongestant sprays or tablets
If you’re experiencing severe allergic symptoms, your physician might suggest immunotherapy options, such as allergy shots, to help your body build resistance to pollens. As for patients suffering from grass allergies, our experts recommend taking special tablets that dissolve under the tongue 12 weeks before symptoms are expected to begin.
To help relieve allergic rhinitis during pollen season, our expert allergists suggest the following:
- Remain indoors as much as possible between midmorning and early evening since these times have the highest pollen levels.
- Install a HEPA filter on your vehicle’s or home’s air conditioning system, and ensure the windows are closed while driving.
- Wear glasses or shades to prevent pollen from entering your eyes when going outdoors.
- Wear hats with a broad brim to prevent pollen from sticking to your hair.
- Start taking allergy medication before the pollen season begins, as this allows the medicine to keep your body from producing histamine and other substances that trigger your symptoms.
- Wash your hair every night before bed to remove pollen from your hair and skin, preventing it from accumulating on your mattress.
Book your appointment at Novomed Today!
Our board-certified allergists at Novomed specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of allergic triggers to help you live better! To book an appointment or any inquiries, call us toll-free at 800 (NOVO) 6686 or click the live chat icon at the bottom of the screen.
