A pollen allergy is a type of seasonal allergy triggered by pollen.
If you have a pollen allergy, your immune system thinks pollen is a dangerous intruder. It produces chemicals to fight off the pollen, and you experience an allergic reaction. Sneezing, congestion and puffy eyes are just a few of the symptoms people with pollen allergies may have.
Pollen allergies are typically seasonal and affect people when plants pollinate. Generally, trees pollinate in spring, followed by grass in summer and weeds in fall. There are three sources of pollen: trees, grass and weeds. Each of these plants pollinates at different times of the year, depending on where you live.
The best treatment for pollen depends on how severe your allergy is and what works best for your body. Some possible treatments include: medications, allergy shots (immunotherapy) and lifestyle changes.
An allergist can recommend the best treatment to manage your pollen allergy.
