Pollen allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, is a common allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. It is a type I hypersensitivity reaction, mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Symptoms of pollen allergy can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, pollen allergy can also trigger asthma.
There is no cure for pollen allergy, but there are a number of things that can be done to avoid exposure to pollen and reduce symptoms. These include:
