| I only have nasal and eye symptoms in mid-to-late spring. Is it normal for pollen to irritate the nose or do I have an allergy? | |
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Pollen is the tiny powdery granules given off by plants. Specifically, pollen is the male element in the fertilization of seed plants. While not harmful to those not allergic, it can make pollen-allergic individuals miserable.
There is a "priming effect" associated with pollen which means that symptoms may worsen as the season progresses. You may be allergic to certain plants that pollinate in mid-to-late spring and, therefore, are not symptomatic in early spring. Antihistamine taken prior to outdoor exposure is helpful for mild symptoms. If your symptoms interfere with sleep or daily functioning, prescription low-sedating antihistamine (Clarinex, Allegra, or Zyrtec) begun several weeks prior to and continued during "your allergy season" can reduce symptoms. |
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