Understanding Pollen Allergies & Hay fever

What is a pollen allergy?

To understand what a pollen allergy is, it helps to learn about pollen itself. Pollen is a mass of microspores released by plants and trees, typically as a fine powder, and plays a vital role in the life cycle of plants. Each grain of pollen is a tiny body – generally about 15-100 microns – formed in the male structures of seed plants. When pollen grains are transported by wind, water or insects to the female part of a flower, fertilisation takes place.

Pollen is mostly released during the early spring and summer months by plants, trees and grasses as part of their reproductive cycle. However, depending on the climate and plant type, pollen can also linger in the air during the cooler months, which is why some people may experience pollen allergies all year round. It is the presence of pollen which causes seasonal rhinitis in humans, which is a common allergic reaction, widely known as ‘hay fever’.

What causes hay fever?

When the nose and/or the eyes encounter environmental allergens such as pollens, dust mites, moulds, animal fur and air pollutants, this often results in a person experiencing hay fever. Additionally, hundreds of plant species exist in the world that each respectively release pollen into the air and trigger pollen allergies.

Some common types of pollen allergies include:

Birch pollen allergy: As birch trees bloom, they release minute pollen grains that travel through the wind and the air we breathe. Birch pollen allergies are therefore one of the most common airborne allergens in spring.

Oak pollen allergy: Compared to other pollen types, oak pollen is considered mildly allergenic. However, it lingers in the air for longer, which can cause severe allergic reactions for some.

Grass pollen allergy: During the warmer months, grass can be a main trigger of pollen allergies. Although there are many grass varieties, only few can trigger pollen allergy symptoms.

Ragweed pollen allergy: Since one ragweed plant has the power to produce almost 1 billion grains of pollen, these are the weeds that are most likely to cause pollen allergies.

Hay fever & pollen allergy symptoms

The symptoms of hay fever can be mild or severe but they often include:

• sneezing
• a runny or stuffy nose
• itchy or watery eyes
• itchy throat or ears
• sinus pressure or pain

In some cases, pollen allergies can lead to symptoms such as:

• fatigue
• headaches
• irritability
• difficulty sleeping or sleep disturbances
• impaired concentration

Some other conditions that commonly occur alongside hay fever include asthma, chronic sinusitis, middle ear infections and trouble sleeping, or decreased quality of sleep.

How to manage indoor and outdoor pollen allergies

Pollen allergies can be disruptive to everyday living; however, implementing management strategies can help you to alleviate symptoms at home and outdoors. Discover several strategies that may help minimise hay fever symptoms below.

Daily strategies to minimise symptoms

While it’s difficult to completely avoid sources of pollen, there are steps you can take to decrease pollen exposure.

Plan ahead to avoid pollen: Where possible, avoid areas that are likely to trigger your pollen allergies.

You can do this by:

• Monitoring pollen forecasts.
• Closing windows and using air conditioning or an air purifier with cooling.
• Changing clothes after spending time outdoors. This will remove pollen from your body and prevent it from entering the home.
• Avoiding keeping flowers in your home.
• Drying washing indoors. Pollen can cling to bedding and towels, so it’s best to dry your washing indoors when the pollen count is high, or when mowing the lawn.
• Steering clear of allergy hotspots. Avoid walking or running in grassy spaces.

Consider medications: You don’t need to suffer with allergy symptoms. Various medications and treatments may help, such as:

• Antihistamines: you can purchase over the counter or prescription medications that block the release of histamine, a chemical your immune system releases, and help to relieve symptoms.
• Nasal sprays: these are corticosteroid sprays that help to reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages.

Before trying a new medication, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle changes

It’s difficult to avoid pollen throughout the warmer months, however, there are steps you can take to help manage pollen allergies during the heightened pollen seasons, such as:

• Regularly vacuuming floors and surfaces: preferably, doing so with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which helps to remove pollen allergens from the home.
• Selecting allergen-proof bedding: this not only combats pollen allergens, but minimises the prevalence of bacteria and dust mites, too.
• Removing pollen from pets: it’s a good idea to wipe down your pet’s paws and keep them out of bedrooms if you experience pollen allergies or a pet allergy

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¹University of Worcester (2023) What is pollen? Available at: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/about/academic-schools/school-of-science-and-the-environment/science-and-the-environment-research/national-pollen-and-aerobiology-research-unit/what-is-pollen.aspx Accessed May 2023.
²https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever/contents/allergic-rhinitis.