Pollinosis is not "just sneezing in spring." It is an allergy to plant pollen, with symptoms lasting for weeks or months. I explain how it works, what blooms when, and how not to confuse it with a cold.
How pollen allergy works
Pollinosis is an allergic disease of the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes. It is caused by tiny plant pollen, and sometimes fungal spores. Particles sized 10–50 microns settle on the skin and mucous membranes, and that is where the reaction begins. It most often occurs in people with a genetic predisposition to allergic diseases. Pollinosis manifests as allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, and in some cases as bronchial asthma. Allergic reactions can also be caused by mold spores, animal dander, house dust, mites, insect venoms, and medications. The name "hay fever" is inaccurate: hay is not a significant factor, and fever is not obligatory.
Pollen calendar: three waves per season
The exacerbation period coincides with the flowering of specific plants. In April and May, those who react to pollen of hazel, alder, maple, oak, and birch suffer. In June and July—to grasses: timothy, feather grass, barley, wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass. In August and September—to ragweed, pigweed, and mugwort. In different regions, these periods may shift. In dry windy weather, there is more pollen in the air and symptoms are stronger; in rainy and humid weather—less. Overall, it is worse from late March to September, especially when it is warm, humid, and windy.
Symptoms: from sneezing to chest tightness
The classic signs are sneezing attacks, cough, runny or stuffy nose, itching and redness of the eyelids, and tearing. Itching may occur in the throat, mouth, nose, and ears. Next—loss of smell, pain on the sides of the head and in the forehead area, headache, and fatigue. In the second stage, the inflammatory reaction intensifies: difficulty breathing and chest tightness associated with bronchial asthma appear; sometimes the temperature rises. Pollinosis may be accompanied by fatigue, increased irritability, decreased appetite, and migraine attacks.
Allergy or cold: how to distinguish
There is a separate article about the course of a cold.
- Duration: pollinosis lasts for weeks or months, a cold usually resolves within 1–2 weeks.
- Weather dependence: symptoms worsen in dry windy weather.
- Fever with pollinosis occurs only occasionally and is not obligatory.
- Loss of smell, pain on the sides of the head and in the forehead area are part of pollinosis symptoms.
- Cause: pollinosis is an allergic reaction to pollen upon contact with the mouth, nose, eyes, and throat.
Cross-reactivity: pollen and foods
With pollinosis, cross-allergy to certain foods is possible. With birch pollen allergy, carrots, hazelnuts, apples, and peaches cross-react. With grass allergy—cereal grains and sorrel. With mugwort allergy—citrus fruits, honey, and sunflower seeds. Tell your doctor about such coincidences: they will assess whether restrictions are needed.
Diagnosis and monitoring
It all starts with a doctor's examination and laboratory tests. To identify the specific allergen, skin tests are performed: small scratches are made on the forearm, and a drop of allergen is applied to each. If the reaction is positive, a wheal and redness appear around the scratch. Provocation tests are also conducted. You should routinely consult a family doctor when symptoms worsen or do not subside. The doctor assesses the course and, if necessary, refers you further, including for allergen immunotherapy—gradual desensitization to pollen under supervision. Immunotherapy is usually started a few months before the season and is considered when other methods have not helped.
Call 103 or 112 immediately if difficulty breathing or chest tightness appears against the background of seasonal symptoms. An ambulance is also called in other life-threatening conditions—for example, stroke or heart attack.
This is reference material, not a substitute for a doctor's consultation—make decisions about examination together with your doctor.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer