What is POLLEN ALLERGY?

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Hello❣️and good day or good evening to you all. I'm here again and writing a blog as well. It's September again and it's pollen allergy season here in Japan and I have to take extra care for my health because I'm allergic to pollen. Every during pollen season, I have a hard time breathing, my nose always itching, and teary eyes. This blog aims to discuss in detail what pollen allergy is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.

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What is Pollen Allergy?⤵️

Pollen allergy, also known as hay fever, is a common form of allergy that affects about 20% of the global population. It is a seasonal allergy that occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to pollen grains released by trees, grass, and plants. This allergic response results in a range of symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sometimes asthma. Pollen allergy is not only disruptive to daily activities but can also impair academic and work productivity.

Causes of Pollen Allergy⤵️

Pollen allergy is caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system to pollen grains. Normally, pollen grains are harmless substances that plants release into the air to fertilize other plants. However, in people with pollen allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies pollen grains as harmful, causing it to activate an immune response to defend against the supposed attack. This immune response is what leads to the symptoms of pollen allergy.

Pollen grains have different sizes, shapes, and textures, and the allergy-causing proteins are found inside them. These proteins are what trigger allergic reactions in affected individuals. Pollen allergy can occur in any season, depending on the type of pollen that triggers the immune response. For example, tree pollen is released in the spring, and grass pollen is released in the summer, while weed pollen is typically released in the fall.

Symptoms of Pollen Allergy⤵️

Pollen allergy symptoms are similar to those of common cold and flu. The most common symptoms of pollen allergy include sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sore throat, and cough. Pollen allergy can also cause fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive functioning in some individuals.

The onset of the symptoms can vary depending on the type of pollen that triggers the reaction. For example, some individuals may experience symptoms immediately after being exposed to pollen grains, while others may experience symptoms several hours after exposure. The severity of symptoms can also vary, from mild to severe, and may even interfere with daily activities and sleep patterns.

Treatment Options for Pollen Allergy⤵️

Treatment options for pollen allergy vary depending on the severity of symptoms. The first line of treatment is usually antihistamines, which can reduce the production of histamine in the body that causes the allergy symptoms. Common antihistamines used for pollen allergy include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and desloratadine (Clarinex).

Nasal corticosteroids are also effective in treating pollen allergy by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. These medications include Flonase, Nasonex, and Rhinocort. Decongestants can also be used to relieve nasal congestion, but they should only be used for a short time as they can cause rebound congestion.

Immunotherapy is another treatment option for pollen allergy, where small amounts of allergens are injected into the body over time to help the immune system build up tolerance to the allergens. Immunotherapy can offer long-term relief for pollen allergy symptoms, but it may take several years to complete the treatment course.

Prevention of Pollen Allergy⤵️

Preventing pollen allergy can be challenging since it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to pollen grains. However, some measures can be taken to reduce exposure to pollen. These include staying indoors during peak pollen hours, using air filters, keeping windows and doors shut, wearing a mask when outdoors, and taking a shower and changing clothes after spending time outdoors.

Conclusion⤵️

Pollen allergy is a common form of allergy that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to pollen grains released by plants, trees, and grass. Symptoms of pollen allergy include sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sometimes asthma. Treatment options include antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. Preventing pollen allergy can be challenging, but measures such as staying indoors during peak pollen hours can help reduce exposure to pollen.

Pollen allergy season⤵️

Pollen allergy season in Japan, known as kafunsho (花粉症), can be intense and affects a large portion of the population. The timing and type of pollen vary by region and season, but the most common allergy-causing trees are Japanese cedar (sugi) and Japanese cypress (hinoki).

Pollen Allergy Season Breakdown in Japan:

1. Late Winter to Spring (February - May):⤵️

   - Japanese Cedar (Sugi) Pollen: The main pollen allergy season starts in late February and continues until early April. Sugi pollen is the most significant cause of allergies in Japan, particularly affecting regions like Tokyo, the Kanto region, and the mountainous areas.

   - Japanese Cypress (Hinoki) Pollen: Following the cedar season,hinoki pollen begins in late March and can last until May. Both trees are often planted together, extending the allergy season for sufferers.

2. Late Spring to Summer (May - July):⤵️

   - Grass Pollen: In the warmer months, grass pollen becomes an issue. It is not as common as tree pollen allergies, but some people are sensitive to grasses such as Timothy grass and Bermuda grass.

3. Late Summer to Fall (August - October):

   - Weed Pollen: During this season, weeds like ragweed (bukogi) and mugwort (yomogi) produce pollen. These are particularly problematic in rural areas and along riversides.

4. Winter (November - January):

   - Generally, pollen levels are lower during winter, but in warmer regions, some pollen from evergreen trees may still cause mild symptoms.

Tips for Managing Pollen Allergies in Japan:⤵️

- Pollen Forecasts: Japan has detailed pollen forecasts during peak seasons. These forecasts help people plan their activities and take precautions.

- Mask Wearing: Many people wear masks to reduce exposure to pollen, a common sight in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo.

- Air Purifiers: Indoor air purifiers are widely used during the peak allergy season to filter out pollen.

- Medications: Antihistamines and eye drops are commonly used to manage symptoms, and prescription medications are also available.

The major allergy season peaks in spring, but late summer and fall also see spikes in allergies due to different types of pollen.

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