What is a pollen allergy?
Individuals with pollen allergies can experience symptoms that can range from “annoying to frankly dangerous”, says paediatrician and allergy specialist Professor Claudia Gray. “In general, allergies are caused by a genetic tendency for the immune system to ‘overreact’ to substances which should normally be harmless, for example house dust mites or grass pollens.
“The inhaled pollens can set off an immune response in the nose, the eyes and the chest. Some people manifest mainly with a runny, itchy, sneezy or congested nose, some with itchy eyes, and some with full-blown asthma attacks,” says Gray. “Secondary complications can also occur. An airway which is soggy and swollen from allergies is more prone to viral and bacterial infections. Also, the nasal blockage can lead to sinus and ear infections.”