Seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies - modern approaches to the treatment and prevention of the disease

According to the definition in medical dictionaries, an allergy is an increased acute reaction of the body's immune system to certain substances (allergens), which develops upon direct contact with them. And there is a real reaction. But behind the dry terms there is an indescribable range of sensations: watery eyes, itching in the nose, the skin itches and spots, it is hard to breathe ... In short, nothing pleasant.

And now spring has come, the season when many types of allergies are activated: grass, city dust. But torment can be avoided, the main thing is to start preparing in advance. And we will share with you useful advice. But first, let's talk about why an allergic reaction occurs.

Causes of Allergy

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If you notice a deterioration in the condition from early spring to mid-autumn, most likely you are experiencing hay fever - an allergic reaction to plant pollen.

Pollen from trees, shrubs and grasses enters the nose, and our the immune system perceives it as a foreign substance. And, accordingly, it begins to produce antibodies - just like against viruses and bacteria. Because of this, histamine is formed in the blood - a biologically active substance, to which we owe all the unpleasant manifestations of allergies: coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and so on.

In fact, allergy is not a disease, it is special condition an organism that reacts in a non-standard way to ordinary substances.

Is it possible to completely rid a person of such an individual reaction of the body? No, medicine is not omnipotent, but it is possible to achieve a stable long-term improvement and save a person from all unpleasant allergic manifestations.

One more important conclusion can be drawn from this. In a person who is not predisposed to allergies, there will be no reaction even upon contact with the strongest allergen. Conversely, in a person predisposed to allergies, a reaction will manifest itself, and even substances that are not allergens can provoke it.

Allergies can also be triggered by:

• polluted environment;
• stress;
• weakened immunity;
• smoking;
• antibiotics;
• improper nutrition.

By the time of year when you begin to feel unwell, you can understand what exactly your body is reacting to. In spring, allergies are most often caused by tree pollen, in summer - grasses, autumn allergies are associated with pollination of weeds.

There are more than 100 types of allergenic pollen, so you should definitely consult a doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Sometimes the allergen is obvious, but in most cases a diagnosis needs to be made. When to contact a specialist and how to prepare for the appointment, we will tell a little later. And now we will discuss several ways of prevention.

How to Prepare for Spring Allergy Season

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1. Undergo specific immunotherapy

This is the most effective method prevention. You are diagnosed with an allergen (for example, you cannot tolerate alder pollen), and before flowering, doctors administer drugs that contain small doses of the allergen. So the body gradually gets used to it, so during the flowering season you will not have a reaction to the substance that provokes allergies. If it is not possible to completely get rid of the allergy, then at least the allergic reaction will manifest itself in a milder form.

But two important points must be noted. Firstly, specific immunotherapy should be carried out in the fall, when the flowering period has already passed. And secondly, in order for the procedure to be as effective as possible, it should be carried out regularly. Usually, the predisposition to allergies disappears completely after 3-4 years.

2. Follow a hypoallergenic diet

A hypoallergenic diet is the exclusion from the diet of those foods that can provoke or aggravate allergies. It is advisable to take care of your diet and thereby strengthen the immune system in advance, even before the onset of the flowering period. The diet should be dominated, mainly vegetables and fruits.

Before the onset of allergy manifestations, it is necessary to normalize the acid-base balance and metabolism.

In addition, it is worth refusing to use certain products directly during the allergy period. Avoid strawberries and raspberries in the spring, watermelons, melons, grapes and eggplants in the fall. During the entire flowering period, nuts, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, honey, eggs are not recommended.

3. Try Vitamin Therapy

Vitamins B and C are effective in helping to cope with pollen allergies and also strengthen the immune system. Therefore, we recommend taking vitamins both before the onset of the allergy season and during it.

How to deal with allergies

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What to do if you did not have time to undergo specific immunotherapy, other methods of prevention do not help you personally, and the allergy season is coming very soon? There are several methods that will help alleviate the course of allergies.

Method number 1. Radical

The most common treatment for most allergies is to avoid contact with the allergen. But if not getting or not eating nuts is easy, then in the case of hay fever, when allergens are literally in the air, this can become a problem. Alternatively, you can take a vacation and go to a point in the country or planet where allergies will not bother you. Radical but effective. However, it is clear that this option is not suitable for everyone, so we move on.

Method number 2. Pharmacological

Also a common method of struggle. Most importantly, do not self-medicate and purchase drugs only after consulting a doctor.

Another common mistake is to take pills when the allergic reaction has already gained momentum. Taking antihistamines after contact with an allergen is mostly useless - the body has already reacted. In fact, antihistamines should accumulate in the body. Only then will they help to cope with an allergic reaction. Ideally, it is advisable to start the course of taking medications 2-3 weeks before the flowering season.

In addition, over time, the body gets used to the medicine, so the drug must be changed. In any case, be sure to contact a specialist and together with him determine how the treatment will be carried out.

Method number 3. Homemade

To make it easier to tolerate allergies, you need to prepare your own for the flowering season. Keep doors and windows closed if possible. You can ventilate the room after rain. If without fresh air no way, tighten the windows with gauze and moisten it often with water. It is also worth moistening curtains and curtains. Keep a few containers of water around your home or purchase a humidifier. So the allergy will be easier to tolerate, and it will be easier to breathe indoors and the skin will not dry out.

Method number 4. Hygienic

Every time you get home, take off your clothes and put them in the wash. And then go to the shower and wash your hair thoroughly - a lot of pollen can remain on them and it will not be easy to fall asleep. If you walk pets, you will have to wash them too. During the allergy period, do not dry clothes on the open balcony.

Method number 5. Folk

Traditional medicine can also offer several remedies that will help you to endure allergies more easily. So, a decoction of a string is often recommended: brew a string hot water, let it brew for 20 minutes - and you can drink. Please note that the drink should turn out to be golden in color and in no case cloudy. You can find more recommendations in our article "".

You can wash your nose warm water, better - with salt. This will help reduce swelling and remove pollen from the nose.

When to see a specialist

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If you are still suffering from symptoms, it is worth visiting an otolaryngologist and an allergist. Your doctor may write a prescription for new drugs and recommend immunotherapy. Many over-the-counter medications are effective in managing allergies. It can be decongestants, eye drops, sprays. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe allergic injections that relieve symptoms for several years. But such drugs are not suitable for everyone and only a specialist can select them.

As we said before the best time to be examined by a specialist late fall. Two weeks before the diagnosis, you must stop taking antihistamines. The most popular and cheapest method for detecting and determining the type of allergy is skin tests.

Allergies are not the case when you should ignore the symptoms or self-medicate. There is always, even if small, the possibility of anaphylactic shock. Therefore, be sure to contact an allergist and do not neglect yours.

Dear friends, hello!

Today I invite you to talk about seasonal allergies, which are scientifically called "hay fever" from lat. "pollen" means pollen.

Spring is in the air, and most likely, sufferers with flowing noses and red eyes have increased in your pharmacies. Therefore, you must be fully equipped to know what to offer them.

Pollinosis is a manifestation of an allergic reaction to plant pollen.

The word "allergy" comes from two words: "allos" - another, "ergos" - action. We connect together, we get "another action." The body somehow differently, unusually reacts to the usual substances that surround us, with which we come into contact, which we eat.

Allergies manifest themselves in different ways. It could be an intolerance food products(food allergy), skin reaction to some substances that come into contact with it ( skin allergy), a reaction to the inhalation of pollen floating in the air ( hay fever, or hay fever).

Allergies affect one third of the world's population. Just think about this number! And it grows year by year.

Until recently, I was part of this third. So now I will tell you about my native disease, because I felt it on my own skin. Why am I speaking in the past tense? Read on and I'll tell you.

I remember this misfortune overtook me at the age of 8. On that summer day, mom, dad and my sister got up at 4 in the morning to go on a long journey in our old Cossack. We had a journey from Saratov to Moscow with a stop in Lipetsk, where my mother's sisters lived.

And then for the first time I felt a terrible itch in my eyes. My parents chalked it up to lack of sleep.

I don't remember how things developed further, and how we figured out that seasonal allergies were the cause. I only remember that starting from that ill-fated year, every summer, from mid-July to mid-September, she completely exhausted me. For some reason, then no samples were made to me. Maybe they didn't exist yet?

How does pollinosis manifest itself?

First, there is an unbearable itching in the eyes. You scratch them, and the next morning you wake up with an extremely unattractive interface: red eyes, swollen eyelids. Someone has a plus to this, tears flow from their eyes, and it is impossible to look at the light.

Terribly itchy throat. If you don't know what it is, you happy man. A most unpleasant sensation, I tell you, because this is not a place where you can climb your fingers. But in an attempt to calm the itch, you find that there is a tongue in your mouth that can not only talk, but also scratch your throat, which you do incessantly.

But that is not all. Constant itching in the nose, as if some kind of spider bug had climbed in and crawled along the nasal passages and their environs.

Over time, you become a virtuoso in scratching your eyes, nose and throat at the same time.

After manipulating the nose, a sneeze opens. And it's not just a sneeze, it's some kind of sneezing marathon when you sneeze 8-10 times in a row.

A sneeze is accompanied by the flow of a large amount of water from the nose. However, I had a waterfall all the time during the day, so I carried several men's (they are larger) handkerchiefs with me. And at night it was replaced by severe nasal congestion.

During this period, I always had Diphenhydramine on hand, which was then sold freely, some and Hydrocortisone eye ointment. It was my gentleman's set for the whole period of torment.

Since I really wanted to sleep from Dimedrol, and it was necessary to take it not only at night, during the day I moved in space like a dilapidated meatball.

As luck would have it, we also had a dacha at that time, where the whole family went every weekend. I only now understand how reckless it was for the parents to take a child suffering from pollinosis to this steppe forbs, where I got worse. And it could have ended sadly.

Imagine how inferior a person who suffers from seasonal allergies feels. You cannot live normally, work, love, go to nature, sleep, perform activities that require concentration.

It is said that the battle of Waterloo in 1815 was lost by Napoleon because of hay fever, which he suffered from, because his eyes and nose were running, his mood was lousy, his brain refused to think, and Napoleon made mistake after mistake.

Someone else has hay fever skin itching, someone, but, thank God, at least I didn’t have it.

But something else began: asthmatic attacks. It's so scary when you can't breathe full chest, even a quarter of the chest, because it immediately pulls you to cough, and you physically feel that the air does not pass into the trachea and bronchi.

Before going to bed, I now always put a bottle of Salbutamol under the pillow. Sometimes the attacks were so strong that I could only sleep half-sitting. Why Salbutamol and not glucocorticosteroids? Because no one prescribed hormones.

Somehow, everything worked out for me topsy-turvy this time: she spoke about the symptoms, but not a word about the causes and pathogenesis. I'm correcting my mistake.

Causes of seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from wind pollinated plants. Not every pollen can enter the respiratory tract, but only very small pollen, 0.02-0.04 mm in size.

See when which trees and plants produce the most pollen:

I already told you once that an allergy is, first of all, a reaction to a foreign protein. The pollen of these plants contains polypeptides and glycoproteins that can cause sensitization, that is hypersensitivity body to certain substances.

But it is extremely rare to be allergic to just one thing.

For example, a person is allergic to birch pollen. And suddenly he notices that he starts to itch when he eats peaches, plums, nuts, carrots.

Why does this happen?

Because the body mixed up the molecules of pollen and these foods. They are very similar in their antigenic composition. It is called cross allergy.

Cross-allergy isn't just about foods.

For example, if a pharmacy visitor is allergic to wormwood, then buying from you chamomile, calendula, string, elecampane, coltsfoot, it is highly likely that he will have an allergic reaction to them. Again, due to cross-allergy.

And if he is allergic to birch pollen, he will naturally have a reaction to birch leaves and buds.

So when selling these products, ask the buyer if he has seasonal allergies?

It is a mistake to think that poplar fluff also causes hay fever. This is not true. It's just that pollen is attached to it, and the fluff itself serves only as a vehicle for it.

Allergies are said to be hereditary. Don't know. Maybe. However, no one in our family had it.

Now I have a different opinion on this matter, because after one event in my life I forgot forever what it is. But more on that later.

How does seasonal allergies develop?

On some one not at all beautiful day, the first meeting of the organism with the pollen of a plant occurs. , contrary to expectations, regards it as a stranger, and immunoglobulins E (antibodies) are produced in the body. Antibodies prepare the immune system for a second encounter with the allergen. They attach to the surface of mast cells found in the skin, nasal mucosa, eyes, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract.

When allergens (i.e. pollen) enter the body again, they combine with antibodies located on the surface of mast cells, they are degranulated (destruction of granules), resulting in the release of biologically active substances, including known to you histamine, serotonin. Histamine begins to do its dirty work.

It dilates blood vessels. Their permeability increases. The liquid part of the blood exits the vessels into the tissues. They develop swelling. Appear abundant liquid discharge from the nose and eyes.

Histamine causes bronchospasm, which is manifested by asthmatic attacks. As a result of vasodilation, pressure decreases.

The most severe form of an allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock, which develops very quickly, in a matter of minutes leading to swelling of the larynx, lungs, brain, pressure drop and death.

Now back to the symptoms, because I didn't tell you something very important.

How to recognize allergic conjunctivitis?

Allergic conjunctivitis is easy to recognize. Here is a table to help you:

How to recognize allergic rhinitis?

Most often, when you are asked for nose drops during the flowering season, you have to solve the puzzle of what kind of runny nose it is: allergic or cold.

This table will help you:

Diagnosis of hay fever

A competent doctor will determine hay fever without difficulty.

The diagnosis will be confirmed by an immunogram, where immunoglobulins E will be elevated, and general analysis blood, in which he will see eosinophilia (an increase in the number of eosinophils).

Allergy tests help identify the allergen.

A few drops of the most common allergens are applied to the forearm. Then the skin under each droplet is slightly scratched with a special tool - a scarifier, so that the allergen penetrates the skin.

After a few minutes, the doctor evaluates what happened. If, under some droplet, the skin turns red and swollen, it means that a person has increased sensitivity to this allergen.

Such a study is carried out without exacerbation.

How is hay fever treated?

Based on the causes of hay fever and its symptoms, several groups of drugs are used in the treatment.

Group 1. First of all, it is necessary to stabilize the membranes of mast cells, from which histamine and other biologically active substances are released.

For this, preparations of cromoglycic acid (Intal, Cromohexal, Cromoglin, Ifiral, Lecrolin, Hi-krom, etc.) and nedocromil sodium (Tailed) are prescribed. Cromoglycic acid preparations are in different forms release: in the form eye drops, remedies for the common cold, drugs for inhalation. Depending on the symptoms, one form or another is recommended.

Stabilizes mast cell membranes and Ketotifen. True, he is as nasty as Diphenhydramine. It was enough for me to take only half a tablet at night to feel like boiled chicken the next day.

But this group has more preventive value than therapeutic, since the effect develops within 2-12 weeks. Therefore, they should be taken about a month before your problem season.

And yet, in combination with antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids, they contribute to the treatment of hay fever.

Group 2. Antihistamines are the basis for the treatment of seasonal allergies.

They suppress the reaction of organs and tissues to histamine, blocking the H1 located in them - histamine receptors, to which histamine nourishes tender feelings and reaches out to them with all its soul.

They act quickly, there are different forms of release, including for children.

As the allergic reaction subsides, doctors transfer the patient from antihistamines to prophylactic drugs, that is, mast cell membrane stabilizers.

3rd group. Local glucocorticoids (beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, etc.).

They perfectly cope with such symptoms of hay fever as rhinorrhea (water from the nose), sneezing, itching, asthma attacks. These drugs reduce the hypersensitivity of tissues to the allergen, reduce the production of biologically active substances, relieve swelling and inflammation of the mucosa. Moreover, systemic action their minimum.

True, their effect begins after 6-12 hours and reaches its maximum only after a few days. The buyer must be warned about this.

4 group. Vasoconstrictor drugs for the common cold, which quickly relieve nasal congestion.

5 group. Nasal sprays based on sea ​​water. They mechanically remove plant pollen from the mucosa. Don't forget to suggest them!

And a few more "experienced" tips:

1. When you get home, you need to take off your outer clothing, throw it in the washing machine and take a shower to wash pollen particles from your hair and body.
2. Rinse the nose with a solution of sea water, gargle, rinse the eyes with water.
3. At home, carry out wet cleaning more often and do not keep windows open during the problem season.
4. Be sure to purchase a humidifier for your home.
5. If possible, avoid contact with the allergen.
6. If this is not possible, buy invisible respirators that fit in the nose and trap pollen on its way into the body.

So, let's sum up.

• When you are asked something for an allergy, find out how it manifests itself in order to offer a complex.
• If you are asked to recommend a remedy for a cold, specify its nature, the presence of other symptoms.
• If the customer complains about redness of the eyes, especially during allergy season, ask if there is discharge from the eyes, what kind it is, and what else is bothering.

Comprehensive offer for hay fever

For seasonal allergy symptoms, suggest:

1. Antihistamine inside.
2. Topical antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer.
3. Vasoconstrictor for the common cold.
4. Nasal moisturizer based on sea water.

Give advice on how to behave in everyday life in order to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever (see the tips of the "experienced" above).

If you have symptoms of suffocation, see a doctor.

If there is no effect from the use of the above remedies, see a doctor.

If it is not possible to curb seasonal allergies with standard means, the doctor may prescribe specific immunotherapy (SIT), when the immune system is "trained" by injecting an allergen that causes hay fever, according to the principle "Who hinders us will help us." Start with the lowest dose and gradually increase it.

SIT is carried out during the period without exacerbation.

That's it.

Every doctor will tell you that seasonal allergies are forever.

But for three years now I don’t know what it is, and I remember it like a bad dream.

Do you want to know how I got rid of it?

Three years ago, I, a terry atheist, came to God. She repented, was baptized, in general, everything was as it should be. And only when another winter came, I remembered that for the first time in my entire conscious life I did not have the usual summer-autumn torments.

Believe it or not.

So my opinion is this: hay fever is a spiritual disease.

Now that's all.

With love to you, Marina Kuznetsova

Scoliosis prevention.

Make sure your student wears a backpack with straps on both shoulders. During the break between lessons, invite the child to walk around with a book on his head, imagining himself a sultan. Watch the height of the table and chair, as well as the firmness of the mattress your child sleeps on.

While healthy children rejoice in the warm sun and collect bouquets of spring flowers, allergic children suffer from painful symptoms of hay fever.

Causes of allergies in the spring

Pollinosis is a seasonal (spring) allergic reaction of the body to flowering plants.

The cause of allergies in the spring is the penetration of allergens into the body of a child.

Pollen from plants gets on the skin, on the mucous membrane of the eyes and respiratory tract (nose, larynx). Penetrating into the body, allergens irritate the immune system, contribute to the production of antibodies, the release of histamine and other biologically active substances into the blood. As a result, symptoms of pollinosis appear.

What is the source of spring allergies?

Over 100 types of allergens plant origin may cause allergic reaction! Most often there is an allergy to the spring flowering of trees, shrubs, flowers. For example, walnut, oak, alder, birch bloom in April, poplar, linden, apple tree, dandelions, coltsfoot in May. Quinoa, ragweed, and wormwood bloom from spring to autumn.

Symptoms of spring allergies in a child

The most common symptoms of spring allergies in a child:

• Swelling and nasal congestion;
• Frequent sneezing;
• Itching and burning in the nose;
• Clear and liquid discharge from the nose;
• Itching, irritation, redness of the eyes;
• lacrimation;
• Puffiness of the eyelids;
• Photophobia, frequent blinking;
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath;
• Cough;
• Rashes, redness, swelling, itching of the skin;
• Dryness, peeling of the skin;
• Capriciousness and irritability;
• Drowsiness or insomnia;
• Lack of appetite.

How to distinguish an allergy from an acute respiratory disease?

1. Allergies are almost never accompanied by fever;
2. Symptoms of spring allergies appear annually, at about the same time;
3. An allergic child feels much better at home. His health worsens on the street, especially when surrounded by flowering plants - in the park, in the forest. For a patient with acute respiratory infections, the location does not matter;
4. The well-being of a child with allergies worsens on a dry and warm day, improves on rainy weather;
5. Discharge from the nose is profuse and thin, unlike the thick, cloudy discharge characteristic of a viral or bacterial infection;
6. With allergies, cough is not accompanied by sputum;
7. ARI lasts no more than a week. Symptoms of hay fever may appear over several spring and summer months;
8. If you notice that your child has an allergy in the spring, contact your doctor immediately. Timely prevention and treatment of pollinosis will help to alleviate the state of health and prevent the progression of the disease.

Treatment of allergies to spring flowering

The choice of treatment for pollinosis depends on the stage of the disease and the flowering season of plants that cause an allergic reaction.

A month before the start of the flowering season, specific immunotherapy is carried out - antibodies are removed from the child's body, causing symptoms hay fever;

During the flowering period, drugs are used that protect the body from the action of allergens and relieve allergy symptoms: Antihistamines;

1. Antihistamines;
2. Hormonal agents of local influence (ointments and creams);
3. Non-hormonal antiallergic drugs.

Important! Preparations for the prevention and treatment of allergies in a child should be prescribed only by a doctor!

• Close windows and doors to prevent pollen from flowering plants from entering the premises. Instead of airing - use an air purifier;
• Often do wet cleaning of the premises;
• Minimize walks in dry windy weather;
• Often wash the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes, take a shower - to eliminate the pollen of flowering plants from the body;
• Dry bedding and clothes indoors to avoid getting pollen on things.

seasonal allergies or hay fever is a reaction of the immune system to stimuli that interact with the human body at a certain time of the year.

To date, this pathological process is diagnosed in every fifth inhabitant of the planet, regardless of the region of residence, climatic conditions, gender and age. Every year, the number of people who suffer during the flowering of plants increases, despite the constant study of this pathology.

It is often difficult to identify an allergen. After contact with it, antibodies are produced in the body, which in the future contribute to such reactions as sneezing, runny nose, rash on skin, redness of the eyes.

The most common allergen is pollen. Its separation occurs through the air in order to fertilize a particular plant. In different plants, the time of pollination depends on the pores of time: some are pollinated in early spring, others in the middle of summer. The closer to the north, the later pollination occurs. Pollen a certain kind trees, grasses and shrubs can trigger allergies more often than others. Insect-pollinated plants are less likely to cause allergies than wind-pollinated plants.

Another strong allergen is mold. Its spores are constantly in the air, but their concentration depends on specific conditions. Mold is found in agricultural and residential premises, in the open air. It thrives well in poorly ventilated damp rooms.

The risk of a possible seasonal allergic reaction increases if a person has relatives who suffer from this problem.

by the most dangerous periods are:

• spring - the time of flowering hazel, maple;
• summer - flowers and cereals are dangerous for patients;
• autumn - Compositae bloom: quinoa, wormwood, ragweed.

The mechanism of the development of the disease

Symptoms of seasonal allergies are practically no different from allergic reactions of other types. First, there are signs of damage to the upper respiratory tract, and then the process descends lower - into the lungs and bronchi. The difference between seasonal allergies and others is conjunctival symptoms. In such patients, in addition to the nose, the eyes are also affected: eyeball pollen settles, and, penetrating into the mucous membranes, triggers aggressive immune processes. The immune system reacts by recognizing the allergen, and then it begins to produce special antibodies to suppress the foreign antigen. Since the structure of all typical allergens contains protein, the immune system interacts with protein elements and a kind of adaptation of the body occurs. To have a typical clinical picture of pollinosis, a small amount of pollen is enough. AT childhood signs of seasonal allergies are hidden; sensitization is also characterized by an asymptomatic course. Already after a few weeks or months, the child may become covered with a rash, there is allergic rhinitis, swelling and redness of the eyes.

Symptoms

With classic polynosis, a characteristic allergic triad can be detected in a patient:

• tearing and conjunctivitis;
• signs of rhinosinusitis or rhinitis;
• cough, bronchospasm.

In a patient with seasonal allergies, you can find the following signs:

• itching of the eyes and their redness and swelling;
• photophobia, increased tearing;
• sneezing, itching in the nasal cavity;
• difficult nasal breathing, nasal congestion;
• secretions are liquid, transparent;
• hoarseness of voice, its timbre may also change;
• in the event that the Eustachian tubes are involved in the process, ear pain occurs;
• urticaria, atopic dermatitis;
• headache, body temperature may rise;
• bronchospasm and specific pollen asthma.

Not every allergy sufferer has symptoms of bronchospasm. They may not show up on time. measures taken. But asthma attacks, in spite of everything, can occur in those patients who have a history of exacerbations in past seasons. The most threatening consequence of bronchospasm is Quincke's edema, which develops instantly, literally in minutes and requires emergency medical care.

For seasonal allergies general state resembles signs viral disease but the temperature does not rise. Sometimes the disease can manifest itself as pollen intoxication: a person has weakness, a migraine attack, sleep is disturbed, he becomes irritable. When pollen enters the digestive system (this can happen in case of cross-allergy) primary diagnosis may be hampered by non-specific symptoms. Such conditions are extremely dangerous for the elderly and children, when the symptoms are hidden in the initial period and there is a risk of rapid development of exacerbations. Therefore, you should definitely see a doctor if you experience symptoms similar to an allergy.

Diagnostics

An experienced allergist can easily diagnose seasonal allergies. He examines the patient, collects an anamnesis, excludes the possibility of other diseases. In order to accurately determine the possible allergen, special tests are carried out.

Treatment

Medical

The choice of drugs depends on the severity pathological process, flowering period and characteristics of the patient's body. The main goal of treatment is to protect vulnerable organs from the influence of allergens, to eliminate the manifestations of the disease. Allergy medicines are divided into the following groups:

• Antihistamines - help suppress the allergic reaction. Their reception is indicated throughout the entire flowering period of plants and trees, even if obvious symptoms missing. They come in the form of sprays, powders for inhalation, aerosols, tablets. This group includes claritin, zyrtec (cetirizine), ebastine and others.
• Cromones - can reduce the manifestations of allergies in the nose and eyes, due to the binding of the membrane protein. With this pathology, their local use in the form of drops is indicated - opticr, lomuzol, cromoglin, cromohexal, intal, etc. But it is important to remember that a noticeable effect can be noted no earlier than 2 weeks after the start of the drug.
• Glucocorticosteroids are hormones used in severe cases. They have a quick effect. More often they are used topically, in the form of ointments; with pollen asthma - in the form of inhalations or drops. Representatives of this group are rhinocort, nasocort, baconase, betamethasone. Local glucocorticosteroids relieve itching well, but their action is slow when they penetrate the skin. Therefore, they are often combined with medications that can quickly relieve allergy symptoms.

Drug treatment of seasonal allergies must necessarily be comprehensive. All drugs and their doses must be prescribed by a doctor.

The use of folk remedies

In addition to specific means, you can use various medicinal plants. Treatment of seasonal allergies with folk remedies is possible during remission in order to prevent relapses of exacerbation and only after coordinating their use with the attending physician. After all, some herbs themselves are allergens, so they must be used carefully so as not to harm.

Here are some tried and tested by many patients and safe recipes:

• Infusion of leaves and branches of black currant. We take 4 tablespoons of crushed fresh leaves or 2 times less dry raw materials, pour 300 ml of boiling water over everything and insist in a thermos for 1 hour. Then it is filtered, up to 500 ml add warm boiled water. Such an infusion should be drunk 1 tbsp. spoon every 2 hours for 1 week. If the infusion runs out, prepare a fresh one, as it even removes toxins from the body much better and activates the immune system.
• 1 tablespoon of nettle is mixed with 2 tablespoons of chamomile. Pour boiling water over the mixture - 500 ml, insist in a thermos for 10 hours. Then the broth is filtered, as a result of which the finished product is about 400 ml. The course of treatment is 1 week, ½ cup half an hour before meals.
• 2 tbsp. spoons of dry herb horsetail pour 200 ml of boiling water, filter after 30 minutes of infusion. Such a drug should be drunk hourly throughout the day, and then after 2 days the course should be repeated. There are 7 such courses.
• Infusion of calendula with celandine. Calendula is characterized by calming properties, celandine - bactericidal. We take calendula flowers and celandine grass in equal parts, keep several hours in boiling water. Take 1/3 cup after meals.
• Egg shell powder good medicine from seasonal allergies. Take with two drops lemon juice 1/3 teaspoon until recovery.
• When discomfort and sore throat, take 1 cup of boiled chilled water, add 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar. Drink a third of this solution in small sips, and gargle with the rest. Prepare the same solution after an hour, but do not drink it anymore, but use it to gargle. It is worth doing 5-6 such rinses per day.
• Itching and skin rashes can be removed with warm baths. To do this, dilute pharmacy clay - 10 tablespoons in a liter of warm water, add the solution to the main bath water. Lie in this medicine for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse under the shower.
• The condition of a person who suffers from pollinosis will facilitate such a remedy: 5 tbsp. pour a spoonful of cold water and let it infuse. After 1 hour, the product is simmered for 15 minutes over low heat. The broth cools, it is filtered and divided into 2 parts. The first part is drunk every 3 hours, 50 ml, and the second is added to a warm bath, the duration of which should be 20-25 minutes. Such procedures are repeated every 3 days for 2 months.

Diet

Seasonal allergies need to be treated comprehensively. Important role diet plays into it. If the disease worsens, reduce or eliminate the consumption of dairy foods. Take food that contains in large numbers vitamin C: citrus fruits, black currants, kiwi, sauerkraut, green onions. This vitamin has an antihistamine effect.

The following foods should be excluded from the diet:

• spices, smoked meats, sausages, spicy, salty and fried foods, broths;
• eggs;
• fish and seafood;
• ketchup, mayonnaise and other sauces;
• nuts, mushrooms;
• margarine and refractory fats;
• vegetables and fruits of red color;
• chocolate, coffee, cocoa;
• marshmallows, caramel, honey muffins, cakes, jams and other sweets;
• kvass and carbonated drinks.

Features in children

Pollinosis in childhood - very frequent occurrence, may occur with a hereditary predisposition, artificial feeding, dysfunction digestive organs, untimely or incorrect vaccination, reduced immunity. Seasonal allergies in children can occur non-specifically, under a kind of “mask”, expressed in the habit of touching the nose, in slight reddening of the eyes, coughing, congestion and pain in the ears. An allergist can determine the exact cause of these manifestations by identifying a specific allergen.

Prevention

First of all, prevention is to prevent contact with the allergen as much as possible. During flowering, you can use special protective bandages nose, mouth and gloves. It is necessary to tightly cover windows and doors, arrange wet cleaning, and take a shower often. It is advisable to remove carpets, rugs and other things in which dust can accumulate from housing.

Seasonal allergies are a disease of civilization, but with proper prevention it is possible to prolong remission and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Seasonal allergies are called a protective reaction of the immune system to certain irritants. external environment arising in warm time of the year. This ailment has another well-known name - hay fever, derived from Latin word with pollen root and this is not accidental, since the cause of intolerance to seasonal allergies is various parts of plants and their components released during their growth or flowering. ICD code 10 J30.2.

Seasonal allergies are most often expressed in the form of rhinitis and conjunctivitis, in some patients skin manifestations diseases, in severe cases, bronchial asthma is formed.

The disease was first described by the English physician John Bostock in 1819. It received the official name - seasonal fever. At first it was assumed that hay caused the symptoms of a cold, but, as it turned out, sneezing and nasal congestion were caused by plant pollen. But this was proved only after 54 years in 1873, and also by a doctor from the UK, David Blackley.

In Russia, seasonal allergies were first discussed in 1889. It happened in St. Petersburg at a meeting of the society of Russian doctors. A report on this topic was made by Dr. Silich L. At the same time, he first drew attention to the relationship of allergies with nervous system person.

In the late 50s and early 60s, the USSR began to massively import wheat and other grain crops from the United States. Together with them, first ragweed was brought to the territory of Russia, and then to other republics.

The pollen of this particular plant in 1960 caused massive bouts of allergies in the Krasnodar Territory.

Nowadays, there are more and more people suffering from seasonal hay fever every year. According to official data, 20% of the world's population suffers from this disease. But according to unofficial data, there are much more of them.

And despite the fact that modern medicine has achieved some success in the fight against the elimination of the symptoms of seasonal allergies, completely overcome this pathology not succeeded yet.

Causes of pollinosis

main reason The development of an atypical reaction of the body are pollen components, about 50 subspecies of trees, herbs, shrubs and flowers have been identified that are ubiquitous and capable of causing hay fever.

Flowering of plants begins in mid-spring and ends at the end of August. A list of them is presented later in the article.

Therefore, the likelihood of seasonal allergies during this period is very high. In some patients suffering from hay fever, the disease also develops on rare plants, including indoor ones, which can bloom several times a year.

Due to the high prevalence and severity of seasonal allergies, numerous studies have been conducted, during which it was possible to find out that the pathology most often develops in people with genetic inheritance. In these cases, hay fever can occur in the first years of a baby's life.

It also happens that the disease first begins to manifest already in adulthood, while the specific reaction of the immune system can be caused by the following provoking factors:

• Changes in the body's defense reactions under the influence of others allergic diseases. Pollinosis can occur in people who for a number of years have suffered from intolerance to a certain type of food, drugs, cosmetics, household chemicals.
• Deterioration of the ecological situation.
• Chronic diseases of the broncho-pulmonary system.
• production factors.
• Significant weakening of the immune system after infectious and inflammatory diseases, due to malnutrition, disturbances in the nervous system.

When does it most often appear?

Symptoms of seasonal allergies are most pronounced in spring and autumn, in the middle of summer they appear to a lesser extent. In the spring, the disease develops during the flowering of birch, maples, hazel, plane tree, alder.

In summer, allergies increase with intolerance to cereals, field and garden flowers. In late summer and early autumn, wormwood and quinoa begin to bloom profusely and produce seeds.

At the same time, you need to understand that the pollen of some plants, for example, ragweed, can be carried very far in strong winds, so if it does not grow in your area, this does not mean that you will not sneeze.

Flowering plants per year by month:

1. Spring - maple, birch, willow, hazel, poplar (May), oak, acacia, alder, hazel, wildflowers (May);
2. Summer - rye, sorrel, fescue, needles, other cereals.
3. August, early autumn - ambrosia, quinoa, wormwood.

Influence of weather conditions

Weather conditions have a significant impact on the well-being of patients with hay fever. In rainy weather, pollen remains on the ground and overall well-being improves. On windy and hot days, pollen components are carried through the air, easily enter the premises and provoke the occurrence of rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

The pollen of some plants has a minimum weight and can be carried by the wind for tens of kilometers, which explains the development of hay fever to a specific irritant, even if it does not grow in the patient's area of ​​residence.

Seasonal allergies develop not only to pollen, but also to fungal spores, which are also quite easily carried by the wind. Fungi also include mold, which forms in damp rooms.

Pollinosis on mold can be year-round, since in residential buildings it multiplies and grows regardless of the season.

Symptoms of hay fever

Seasonal allergies manifest themselves in different forms - it can be a slight deterioration in well-being or a rapidly developing picture of the disease with all the ensuing symptoms.

It is always necessary to treat any pollinosis, since mild forms of the disease quickly turn into severe ones, only timely therapy with specially selected groups of drugs can prevent this process.

Seasonal allergies manifest themselves in the form of damage to the respiratory organs, eyes and skin:

• occurs when pollen enters the nasopharyngeal mucosa. There is sneezing, itching in the nasal passages, congestion, secretion of abundant mucous secretion. Without the use of antihistamines, this condition can disturb throughout the warm season, with periods of remission and exacerbation of the process.
• Conjunctivitis is manifested by redness and tearing, itching, sensation foreign body In eyes.
• Rashes on the skin can be both small-pointed and large blisters. The rash itches, which leads to irritation.

The most severe manifestations of pollinosis include bronchial asthma - a disease manifested by bouts of shortness of breath. The general well-being of patients also suffers - insomnia, irritation appear, and efficiency decreases.

Sometimes seasonal allergies along with characteristic symptoms may be manifested by an increase in temperature, which makes it difficult to diagnose the disease.

Fever usually subsides after acute manifestations diseases.

temperature for seasonal allergies

Let us dwell in more detail on the temperature with seasonal allergies. It can either be completely absent or increase.

A slight increase in temperature during hay fever up to 37.5 degrees indicates that the immune system is trying to fight the allergen. As a rule, this temperature does not go astray.

It is important here not to panic, but to figure out whether the temperature is provoked by ARVI or another disease. If not, then it will be sufficient to take an antihistamine and after 1-2 hours everything will return to normal.

Diagnosis of hay fever

The diagnosis of seasonal allergies is not difficult to expose an experienced allergist. The patient is examined and questioned, other ailments are excluded. As a confirmation of the disease and to accurately determine the allergen, special skin tests are performed.

The doctor can offer sampling only in those months when there is no influence of the alleged allergen, that is, in late autumn or winter.

For more accurate diagnosis and identifying the causes of allergies may be assigned additional.

Seasonal Allergy Treatment

Seasonal allergies should be treated both during the period of exacerbation and in other seasons to prevent relapse. During the period of exacerbation, antihistamines are used in the form of tablets, drops, sprays, ointments.

Groups and lists of drugs

For the treatment of seasonal allergies, drugs from one of three groups can be prescribed:

1. Antihistamines - are divided into drugs 1,2,3 (4) generations. Available in the form of tablets, drops, sprays, syrups. They block the release of histamine in the body - a reaction to an allergen-irritant, which is manifested by the symptoms described above.
2. Corticosteroids are hormonal agents. Available in the form of ointments, sprays, drops. Very effective, but prescribed in severe cases when conventional drugs do not cope with the suppression of symptoms of seasonal allergies. Children, pregnant and lactating mothers are prescribed very rarely in especially severe cases (Quincke's edema) since they have a lot side effects.
3. Stabilizers - histamine, which causes unpleasant symptoms, is produced as a result of the destruction of cell membranes. Drugs from this group strengthen cell membranes and inhibit the release of histamine.

List of effective antihistamines that quickly relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies:

1. Suprastin;
2. Tavegil;
3. Diazolin;
4. Loratadine;
5. Zodak;
6. Fenistil;
7. Pipolfen;
8. Diphenhydramine;
9. Xymelin (spray);
10. Fenistil;
11. Blogger 3;
12. Ezlor;
13. Cetrin;
14. Astemizol (Gismanal);
15. Terfenadine;
16. Aqua Maris Sens (for washing).

Despite good efficiency some of them cause drowsiness (especially the first five points), so they are best taken before bed.

If seasonal allergy symptoms appear bronchial asthma, then it can be removed with Salbutamol, Farmoterol, Budesonite.

List of cell membrane stabilizers, available in the form of drops and tablets:

1. Ifiral;
2. Intal;
3. Cromolyn;
4. Ketotifen;
5. Thailed.

New generation antihistamines

Drops and sprays

Since the symptoms of seasonal allergies are often manifested by rhinorrhea, swelling of the nasal mucosa, redness of the eyes, doctors attach special importance to drops and sprays in its treatment.

In detail on this topic, we have prepared two materials:

1. List of nose drops for allergies, instructions for use.
2. Spray list.
3. List of eye drops for allergies. For example, Azelastine has good efficiency.

1. Vasoconstrictors - Navtizin, Noxprey, Nazivin, Nazospray, Galazolin, Tizin Xylo, Otrivin and others.
2. Antihistamines - Allergodil, Levocabastin, Fenistil, Kromheksal, Levocabastin, Sanorin (Analergin), Vibrocil.
3. Immunomodulating - IRS 19, Derinat.

It is important to understand that it is not recommended to take vasoconstrictive nasal drops for more than 5-7 days, as addiction occurs to them, the nasal mucosa is burned out, which is then difficult to restore.

List of eye drops for seasonal allergies:

1. Vasoconstrictor - Okumetil, Vizin, Octilia, Polinadim, Vizomitin, Tsipromed, Tobrex, Alomid.
2. Antihistamines - Azelastine, Lekrolin, Opatanol, Montevizin, Allergodil, Ketotifen, Cromohexal, Dexamethasone, Cromofarm.

Hormonal drugs

In the absence of the expected effect of the therapy, drugs with glucocorticosteroids are prescribed - hormones effectively relieve swelling, inflammation and itching.

List of hormonal drops prescribed for seasonal allergies:

1. Prevalin;
2. Forinex;
3. Flix;
4. Baconase;
5. Etacid;
6. Nasonex;
7. Metaspray;
8. Nasofan;
9. Glenspray S.

The peculiarity of these hormonal sprays is that they act only on the nose area, and not on the entire body. The therapeutic effect occurs on the 3-4th day of admission.

They can be used for a long time, almost the entire flowering period of the allergen plant. But in any case, such drugs should be prescribed by a doctor. And before you drip them, you need to carefully study the instructions for use for them. This is especially true for age restrictions, side effects and contraindications.

Ointments and creams

With seasonal allergies, ointments and creams are used if the symptoms of the pathology manifest themselves in the form of itching of the skin and urticaria. They are simple and hormonal.

TOP of the most effective means

Many are looking for the most effective means that will help them quickly get rid of seasonal allergies. This is the wrong approach. All modern drugs, listed above and found on the links, especially the new generation, do their job well. But the thing is:

1. First, they may not be for everyone. Therefore, you need to try to take one drug, if it does not help to change to another, it is important to look at the active substance.
2. Secondly, there is addiction to a certain remedy, and specifically to its active substance. Those. if you were saved for one year, which has the active ingredient Loratadine. Then on next year it may not help and you will have to switch to (active ingredient Levocetirizine) or another agent.

Of course, hormonal agents are considered the most effective, especially injections, drops in the nose and eyes, but they must be taken as directed and under the supervision of a doctor.

Treatment experience of one of our readers

One of our readers shared his experience of treating seasonal allergies. We will miss preventive measures, we will talk about this below, we will dwell on the course of treatment in detail.

In the first few years, salvation from seasonal hay fever was found in. But since this hormonal remedy is addictive, then at one fine moment the remedy worked only for a week instead of two months. Just during the period of exacerbation, it became a disaster. Since conventional antihistamines did not help, I had to go to the doctor again.

The manifestation of symptoms on the eyes and skin did not spread therefore it was prescribed next treatment:

1. Spray Avamys (an analog can be used, see above) - in the morning, spray in each nostril.
2. In the evening, a tablet of Tsetrina.

After two days, the symptoms began to decrease, on the fifth day they disappeared. The treatment lasted a month and a half, until the ambrosia stopped blooming.

If Cetrin does not work, the treatment can be adjusted and the medicine can be selected with another active substance.

Reduce the severity of seasonal allergies in the warm season helps preventive treatment prescribed a month before a possible exacerbation of the disease. All this time, enterosorbents are taken, for example, Polysorb, in order to maximally remove toxins from the body that provoke hay fever.

Two to four weeks before the allergen plant begins to bloom, you need to start instilling Avamys spray (Flix, Forinex) into the nose.

Specific immunotherapy

Features of the treatment of seasonal allergies in children

When treating seasonal pollinosis in children, it is important to choose the right antihistamine, which is taken based on the age of the baby.

For example, a doctor may prescribe the following nose drops for children under one year old:

1. Vibrocil;
2. Allergomax;
3. Marimer (for washing);
4. Grippostad Reno (vasoconstrictor);
5. For oral administration - Allergonix, Pheniden, Fenistil, Zirtek.

From a year and older:

1. Desal;
2. Rolinoz;
3. Parlazin;
4. Zodak.

Often prescribed to children before and after a year with seasonal allergies. They have a pleasant taste, but at the same time the same as drops and tablets, healing effect.

From two years old:

1. Momat Reno;
2. Nosephrine;
3. With hormones Nasonex and Dezrinit.

From 6 to 12 years old, as a rule, treatment no longer differs from that of an adult, only it is important to choose the right dosage of drugs. Of course, hormonal drugs fall under the exception.

Antihistamines in the form of tablets for a child should be selected by a doctor based on the presence of concomitant diseases.

Features of treatment during pregnancy

Treatment of seasonal allergies during pregnancy must be supervised by a doctor. He must also select a treatment regimen with antihistamines. It is important to exclude, and if not, then minimize the use of hormonal agents.

You need to drink more water, up to 2 liters per day, rinse your nose more often saline solutions, which you can make yourself (1 teaspoon of kitchen or sea salt per 200 ml of warm water) or purchase at a pharmacy, for example, the Dolphin complex, Aqua Maris, Linaqua, Marimer and others.

More time to be spent preventive measures.

Folk remedies for the treatment of seasonal allergies

Application folk remedies in the treatment of seasonal allergies is in an additional way, which does not exclude the use of antihistamines.

It is worth using natural remedies in advance not during an exacerbation of the disease in order to strengthen immunity, cleanse the body of toxins, and work properly. digestive system.

An infusion of dried shoots and blackcurrant leaves will help to strengthen the immune system.

2 tbsp. tablespoons of raw materials are poured with 300 ml of boiling water and infused for 1 hour. Then everything must be passed through gauze and topped up with another 200 ml. warm water. Take for 7 days every 2 hours in a tablespoon.

Celery and nettle also help to strengthen the immune system. You can make juice from both plants with a ratio of 1:1. To do this, the raw material must be ground in a meat grinder, and then squeezed manually through gauze.

Celery can be taken as a vitamin supplement before meals. Take ½ teaspoon of the plant three times a day.

Promotes health and field horsetail. 2 tbsp. tablespoons of dry raw materials are poured with 200 ml of boiling water. After 30 minutes, the infusion is filtered. 20 ml is taken every hour for 14 days. Every 2 days you need to take a break.

Nettle has similar properties. A sprig of the plant is infused in 200 ml. boiling water for an hour. Do not add sugar. You need to drink every day for 2 weeks.

Dry or fresh figs contribute to the normalization of the digestive system. You need to use the product twice a day before breakfast and dinner on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals. The norm is 1, 2 fetuses.

There are many other recipes traditional medicine contributing to the strengthening of the body, it makes no sense to list them all here. However, it is worth mentioning that honey should be used with caution to treat seasonal allergies, since this product is a strong allergen and, on the contrary, can provoke serious attacks of the disease.