Pollinosis: why "seasonal rhinitis" is a serious disease

— Every year in April, do you start sneezing, have a runny nose, and itchy eyes?
— Probably just allergies to spring...

Does this sound familiar? That's how many people are and do not suspect, that have hay fever — one of the most common allergic diseases in the world. Its symptoms are often confused with a cold, and treatment is postponed, believing that it will «go away on its own.» But it is ignoring hay fever can lead to chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, and constant exhaustion.

What happens to the body during hay fever?

It all starts with plant pollen — microscopic particles that the patient's body mistakenly perceives as an enemy. The immune system launches hyperreaction, produces histamine, and the body begins to defend itself:

• lacrimation, sneezing - to "wash out" the allergen

• runny nose and nasal congestion - as a result of inflammation

• itching and sore throat — due to irritation of the mucous membrane

• skin rashes or exacerbation of dermatitis — in sensitive people

Pollinosis often has seasonal nature: spring - trees, summer - cereals, August - weeds (for example, ragweed).

Three things you should know about hay fever

1. It's not just about sneezing.
Pollinosis is systemic immune response. In some cases, it manifests itself not only at the level of the eyes or nose, but also in the form of allergic cough, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue and even anxiety. Pollinosis is especially severe in children.

2. An allergy may seem like a “harmless food” at first glance.
This phenomenon is called cross-allergy: for example, a person with birch pollen allergy may experience an itchy mouth after eating a raw apple or carrot.

3. Pills are not a panacea.
Antihistamines only reduce symptoms. Pollinosis can only be completely cured with specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which teaches the body not to react to the allergen.

Step-by-step instructions: what to do if you suspect hay fever

1. Note the seasonality of symptoms.
   Does it repeat itself year after year during the same period? That's a hint.

2. Write down your symptoms.
   When do they appear? How long do they last? What makes them worse?

3. See an allergist.
   Will mock tests be conducted or blood tests for specific IgE.

4. Start treatment early.
   Don't wait for the peak of allergies - it's better to administer antihistamines, sprays or drops 1–2 weeks before the season.

5. Assess the feasibility of ASIT.
   If symptoms recur every year and interfere with your life, this is your path to long-term relief.

Practical tips for allergy season

• Don't open the windows in the morning. It is at this time that the concentration of pollen in the air is highest.

• Take a shower and wash your hair after being outside. This helps wash pollen from the body.

• Dry things indoors. Especially during the active flowering season.

• Use an air conditioner with a filter. At home, in the car, at work.

• Keep an eye on the pollen forecast. There are mobile apps that warn about surges.

For whom is hay fever especially dangerous?

• Children — their immune system is still forming, so symptoms can quickly worsen.

• People with asthma — allergies can trigger attacks.

• Pregnant women — reduced possibilities for medical treatment.

• Elderly people — the risk of complications is higher due to concomitant diseases.

Pollinosis is not a whim of the body, but a signal that the immune system has gone haywire. And although it is impossible to completely avoid pollen, today there are effective methods of control, which allow you to live actively at any time of the year — even when your favorite apple tree is in bloom.