That’s it, spring has finally arrived. If the majority of people feel revived with the arrival of good weather, some begin to suffer this season’s inconvenience. Indeed, pollen allergy or more commonly known as « hay fever » affects more than 30% of the population. This rate continues to grow over the years especially because of air pollution that promotes pollen production by plants.

It’s pollen allergy season, find solutions for your customers

The pollen allergy is due to immune system reaction which, while in contact with the proteins contained in the pollen releases histamin, causing inflammation of the eyes’ conjunctiva and the nasal mucosa. Unfortunately, it is impossible to isolate yourself from this microscopic enemy but reassure your customers, some solutions exist to enjoy the next picnic in the botanical garden.

Pollen, what is it?

In spring, plants start to grow and will gradually enter the breeding phase. The genetic material of the plant is found in pollen that will be dispersed by wind and insects to pollinate other plants. There are 3 main types of pollen: tree pollen, grass pollen and grass pollen. Beware of conventional wisdom, not all pollen causes allergic reactions. Pollen is allergenic when it is small, it is emitted in large quantities or has a high allergenic potential.

Pollen allergy, how is it characterized?

Typical symptoms of pollen allergy are stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes. In some more severe cases, pollen allergy can cause other symptoms such as urticaria, eczema or allergic asthma. If these symptoms come back every year at the same time, it is probably an allergy to a certain type of pollen.

Reassure your customers, treatments exist…

In case of allergy, some precautions should be taken. Before using anti-histamins or corticosteroids, some precautions may limit contact with pollen. It is obviously recommended to avoid forest walks, picnics at the park and gardening especially in case of peak pollination. By car, drive with closed windows. Ventilate the house early in the morning and do not dry your clothes outdoors. Last thing, rinse your hair before going to bed. Yes, the pollen positioned on the hair during the day will end up on the pillow and will therefore be inhaled all night by the allergic person.

If these precautions are not sufficient, recommend them a nasal spray that can be used for prevention or treatment. For a stuffy, dry or allergic nose, opt for a hypertonic seawater-based spray enriched with plant extract (s) or other natural elements to minimize the risk of allergy to the product. Decongestant nasal sprays based on plant (s) or essential oils promote decongestion and purify the nose by eliminating mucus while avoiding drying out of the mucous membrane.

To treat red, irritated and watery eyes, go on an eye drops that will act locally and causes less risk of adverse effects.

If even using these sprays, the nose remains clogged and the eyes continue to sting, direct them to the anti-allergic drugs otherwise called antihistamins. Antihistamins block the allergic reaction by occupying the site of histamin receptors in the body, so histamin can not have its effect. Corticosteroids are endogenous hormones; taken as a drug, they inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory messenger substances in the cells.

Last chance with desensitization

It’s still not better and your client is out of trouble! If despite all these precautions his condition has not improved, you have one last recommendation, desensitization. The administration of small doses of allergens drops gradually alter the immune system that will begin to produce anti-allergic antibodies that allows it to tolerate pollens better. It is an effective treatment but quite restrictive and relatively expensive.

We know that spring can be a difficult time for allergy sufferers. Solutions exist to support your customer in this fierce fight against these microscopic predators. Hoping that they prove themselves effective and that he is not looking forward to the return of winter.