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What Are the Signs of an Allergic Reaction to Pollen?
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
There are many symptoms a person may develop as a sign of an allergic reaction to pollen. Among the most common are those such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Some people also might notice that their throats itch or that they have the frequent urge to cough. Nasal congestion and watery eyes are among the most common symptoms of a pollen allergy as well. Though not as common, some people may develop hoarseness or experience a worsening of asthma symptoms as a reaction to pollen.
In most cases, a person who has an allergic reaction to pollen can expect to experience a common range of symptoms. Many people with this type of allergy have itchy eyes that look red and watery, and some will also develop runny noses and congestion. Sneezing and coughing are common developments, and some people with pollen allergies have the frequent urge to clear their throats. This is often the result of a tickle or itch that forms in a person's throat. Additionally, some people experience itching inside their ears or even itching on the surface of their skin in relation to this type of allergy.
Sometimes a pollen allergy can cause effects beyond the basic allergy symptoms that commonly appear. For example, a person with an allergic reaction to pollen may develop hoarseness because of his allergy symptoms. This often develops when congestion has become particularly bad, when a person has coughed or cleared his throat for an extended period of time, or when he has been exposed to high levels of pollen for a significant period of time. Additionally, some people who have this type of respiratory allergy might notice that their asthma symptoms worsen when they have an allergic reaction to pollen.
Often, people who are new to pollen allergies have difficulty distinguishing their allergy-related symptoms from those of the common cold. This is often due to the fact that the signs of an allergy or a cold can resemble each other. Usually, however, congestion and coughing are worse with a cold than with an allergy, and a person may develop a fever with a cold as well. Additionally, the symptoms of a cold are likely to remain no matter where the affected person is, but a shower, change of clothes, or a change of location sometimes will help reduce the signs of an allergic reaction to pollen.
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
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![People who are allergic to pollen often have itchy, runny eyes.]()
By: MarkFGDPeople who are allergic to pollen often have itchy, runny eyes. -
![Coughing is a common symptom of an allergic reaction to pollen.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungCoughing is a common symptom of an allergic reaction to pollen. -
![Pollen allergies impact suffers in the spring and summer when pollen particles are able to fly freely.]()
By: jovanmandicPollen allergies impact suffers in the spring and summer when pollen particles are able to fly freely.
Discussion Comments
I experience allergies every year when pollen is produced and released by plants. I get almost every symptom out there. I get congestion in my sinuses, my eyes are running all the time. I have trouble breathing and I seem to sneeze just about every other minute. But the worst symptom is definitely the post-nasal drip. It gives me a sore throat and makes my throat itchy. So there is this constant irritation in my throat and a feeling like I'm about to cough but I don't. It's awful, I hate this symptom the most.
@literally45-- Oh yea, pollen allergy can cause a sore throat, coughing and a hoarseness. These symptoms may not be as common as sneezing and runny eyes and nose. But they can certainly occur.
I think what happens is that when we inhale the pollen, there is a reaction by our body and the throat and lungs become inflamed. That's how these symptoms develop. Most people don't realize that some pollen are very small and difficult to see. And they can easily be inhaled outdoors.
So sore throat and coughing can be due to a pollen allergy? I never knew this. I've had these symptoms for the past few days. I just I assumed that I have a cold.
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