by Donna Ryan

Created on: December 08, 2010

Beware of Ragweed

Most allergies result from a hypersensitivity to dust and mold, animals, food or pollen. Allergies that last throughout the year usually result from dust or mold while animal or food allergies go away if the recipient is not exposed to the animal or substance. Pollen allergies, on the other hand, usually occur at the same time each year, and can be caused by the pollen in grass, ragweed or from the leaves of trees. Most of the pollen that is produced, though (approximately three-quarters), comes from the ragweed plant. In addition, allergies from pollen occur when the pollen count is the greatest, or during the spring, in the first part of summer, or in the early fall.

Variances in Pollen

The brightly-hued flowers pollinated by bees generally are not as threatening to seasonal allergy suffers as those plants that bees bypass. That’s because these insect-friendly plants manufacture a pollen that is heavier in weight, and therefore cannot become as easily airborne as the lightweight pollen that is manufactured by plants pollinated by the wind.

Symptoms of Pollen Allergies

If you are allergic to pollen, you will acquire the symptoms of hay fever, otherwise known medically as seasonal allergic rhinitis. Such symptoms resemble a cold and are comprised of:

Stuffy, itchy, runny nose; Itchy, watery eyes; Sore throat; Sleeplessness; Breathing difficulties; Headache; and Lethargy.

Some sufferers also get dark circles underneath their eyes. Symptoms can lead to asthma or chronic sinusitis if they persist and nothing is done to alleviate the problem.

The Role of Antihistamines and Decongestants in the Treatment of Pollen Allergies

An allergic reaction results when there is sensitivity to an allergen, such as pollen or dust. This kind of response, in turn, causes an excess of histamines to be released into the body. These extra histamines, then, are the offenders that cause the runny nose or watery eyes that are associated with pollen. Therefore, an antihistamine, in effect, is used to block or inhibit these receptors so symptoms are reduced. The remedy is often used in combination with a decongestant, which is indicated for use in clearing out the nasal passages and reducing the related swelling.

Decongestant Side Effects

However, be careful when taking a nasal decongestant as it can produce such side effects as:

Hypertension; Inability to sleep; Anxiety; and Dizziness.

Talk to your Healthcare Professional

To avert any side effects then, you

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