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Pollen Season: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Pollen season refers to the period when plants release pollen into the air. It is a major trigger of allergic reactions such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

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Things worth knowing about "Pollen Season"

Pollen season refers to the period when plants release pollen into the air. It is a major trigger of allergic reactions such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

What Is Pollen Season?

Pollen season refers to the time of year when plants release pollen grains into the air as part of their reproductive cycle. While this is a natural process, it poses a significant health challenge for millions of people who are allergic to pollen. When susceptible individuals inhale airborne pollen, their immune system may overreact, triggering a range of allergic symptoms.

Causes and Triggers

Pollen is released primarily by wind-pollinated plants. The most common allergenic plants include grasses, birch, alder, hazel, and ragweed. The timing of pollen release varies by plant species and climate:

Late winter to spring: Hazel, alder, ash, birch
Late spring to early summer: Grasses, rye, plantain
Summer to autumn: Mugwort, ragweed, nettle

Weather conditions such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity strongly influence pollen concentration in the air. Due to climate change, pollen seasons are now starting earlier and lasting longer than in previous decades, increasing the overall burden on allergy sufferers.

Health Effects

In people with pollen allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, inhaled pollen triggers an immune response. The immune system mistakenly identifies pollen as a harmful substance and produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

Common Symptoms

Sneezing and runny nose
Itchy, red, and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Nasal congestion and swollen nasal mucosa
Itchy throat and palate
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
In severe cases: shortness of breath and bronchial asthma

If left untreated, pollen allergies can progress over time, with symptoms spreading from the upper to the lower airways -- a process sometimes referred to as the atopic march -- potentially leading to allergic asthma.

Diagnosis

A pollen allergy is typically diagnosed by an allergist using the following methods:

Skin prick test: Small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin and lightly pricked in to observe a local reaction.
Blood test (RAST/ELISA): Measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood.
Medical history: A detailed discussion of symptoms, their seasonal pattern, and potential triggers.

Treatment

Medication

Several medications are available to relieve pollen allergy symptoms:

Antihistamines: Block the effects of histamine, reducing sneezing, itching, and eye irritation.
Nasal corticosteroids: Reduce nasal inflammation and congestion effectively.
Decongestants: Provide short-term relief of nasal congestion.
Cromoglicate: A mast cell stabilizer that prevents the release of inflammatory mediators.

Allergen Immunotherapy (Desensitization)

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), also called desensitization or hyposensitization, is the only causal treatment for pollen allergy. It involves the regular administration of gradually increasing doses of the allergen over several years to train the immune system to tolerate pollen. It is available as subcutaneous injections (SCIT) or sublingual drops and tablets (SLIT).

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Adjustments

Several practical steps can help reduce daily pollen exposure:

Monitor pollen forecasts and calendars regularly
Keep windows closed on high pollen count days or use pollen filters
Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors
Schedule outdoor activities during low-pollen times (e.g., after rain or in the evening)
Plan holidays in low-pollen areas such as the seaside or high-altitude mountain regions

Pollen Calendar

A pollen calendar provides a seasonal overview of which plants release pollen at specific times of the year in a given region. It helps allergy sufferers anticipate high-exposure periods and take preventive action in advance. National meteorological services and allergy networks in many countries publish up-to-date pollen count information.

References

European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI): Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy -- Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis. Allergy, 2018; 73(4): 765-798.
World Health Organization (WHO): Pollen and Allergic Disease. Available at: www.who.int
Bousquet J. et al.: Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 Update. Allergy, 2008; 63(Suppl 86): 8-160.

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