Immunology and Allergology >>>> Hay fever - what is it?

Hay fever - what is it?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction of the body to pollen of plants (flowers, shrubs, grasses, trees) in the medical literature is called "hay fever".

Some people have an innate hypersensitivity to the substances that make up plant pollen.

An allergic reaction to hay fever develops in two stages:

At the initial stages, the reaction of the skin and mucous membranes begins: itching, swelling and redness of the mucous membranes of the conjunctiva, nose, ears, pharynx. Tickling and coughing, sneezing begins. Further, the secretion of mucous secretions and lacrimal fluid increases, which leads to nasal congestion, lacrimation. Sometimes an allergic reaction affects the mucous membrane of the external genital organs, causing itching and swelling.

Pollinosis or hay fever is dangerous because, if not properly treated, it can lead to the development of bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

In some cases, hay fever is accompanied by a rash on the skin.

Pollinosis treatment requires preliminary diagnosis for a specific allergen. For these purposes, tests are carried out with the participation of various allergens.

Pollinosis differs from other allergic reactions by seasonality. That is, the sensitization of the body occurs only during the periods of flowering plants in spring, summer, autumn and in certain climatic zones of the growth of allergenic plants.

When prescribing treatment, this fact plays a significant role, and those suffering from hay fever are advised to avoid walking, going out of town and into parks where plants - allergens can grow. To prevent pollen from getting on your clothes, it is not recommended to dry them outdoors.

To prevent allergenic plants from accidentally entering the flowering zone, it is recommended to use pollen maps during the height of the flowering season.

From drugs, desensitizing and glucocorticosteroids are prescribed to relieve skin or mucous inflammation. The most effective treatment for hay fever is the use of allergen-specific immunomodulators.

People with especially severe manifestations of hay fever are recommended to move to another climatic zone of residence.