How to recognize pollinosis and what to do for seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies trouble millions of people every year, especially in spring and summer. A runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion are often blamed on a cold, but very often the cause of these symptoms is pollinosis—an allergic reaction to plant pollen.

In this article, we will examine what pollinosis is, how to recognize it, how it differs from a cold, and what to do to ease your condition during the peak season.

What is pollinosis?

Pollinosis is a form of seasonal allergy that occurs in response to tree, grass, or weed pollen. During blooming, allergens enter the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, triggering an immune response. The immune system mistakenly perceives pollen as a threat and begins actively producing histamine. It is this substance that causes characteristic allergy symptoms: mucosal swelling, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Pollinosis has a clear seasonality—symptoms appear or worsen at the exact same time of year when certain plants bloom.

Pollen allergy: when and why does it occur?

Pollen allergy most commonly manifests:

• In spring—during tree blooming (birch, alder, hazel)
• In early summer—cereal grasses
• In late summer and autumn—weeds (ambrosia, wormwood)

The risk of developing pollinosis is higher in people with a hereditary predisposition to allergies, as well as in city residents where pollen combines with air pollution and irritates mucous membranes more strongly. To make it easier to navigate when pollinosis symptoms most commonly peak, an approximate blooming calendar for the main allergenic plants in Mykolaiv Oblast is provided below.

🌿 Pollen calendar

If allergy symptoms appear every year at the exact same time, this is an important sign pointing toward pollinosis. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor for allergological diagnostics and to identify the specific allergen.

How does pollinosis manifest?

The manifestations of pollinosis can vary in intensity—from mild discomfort to symptoms that significantly impair quality of life. The most common symptoms of pollinosis include:

• Watery runny nose without fever
• Frequent sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Itching in the nose, eyes, or throat
• Watery, red eyes
• Dry cough
• Feeling tired, decreased concentration

In some people, seasonal allergies may be accompanied by exacerbations of bronchial asthma or skin manifestations.

Seasonal allergy or a cold: how to tell them apart?

This is one of the most common questions. Pollinosis and a cold can indeed look similar, but there are important differences between them. Pollinosis is characterized by:

1. Absence of elevated temperature
2. Clear, profuse nasal discharge
3. Itching of the eyes and nose
4. Prolonged course (weeks or months)
5. Repetition of symptoms every year in the exact same season

A cold usually lasts 5–7 days and is accompanied by general malaise and fever.

Seasonal allergy symptoms: when to see a doctor?

If symptoms:

• Last longer than 1–2 weeks

• Repeat every year

• Do not decrease with standard “cold” treatments

• Interfere with sleep, work, or studies

It is worth consulting a doctor. A specialist will help confirm the diagnosis and select the correct treatment tactics. To confirm pollinosis, the doctor may prescribe allergy tests and a consultation with an allergist (allergy skin prick tests), allowing for the exact identification of marvelous allergens and the selection of effective treatment.

How to treat seasonal allergies?

Treatment for pollinosis is always selected individually. The main goal is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life during the blooming period. Most commonly used methods include:

• Antihistamines (as recommended by a doctor)
• Nasal sprays to reduce mucosal swelling
• Nasal rinsing with saline solutions
• Limiting contact with the allergen

In some cases, the doctor may recommend allergen-specific immunotherapy, which helps reduce the body’s sensitivity to pollen.

Pollinosis: treatment and lifestyle

Apart from medications, daily habits play an important role:

1. Limit walks in dry and windy weather
2. Ventilate rooms after rain
3. Wash your face and hands after returning from outside
4. Do not dry laundry outdoors during the blooming season
5. Wear sunglasses outside

These simple steps help reduce contact with pollen and ease the course of the allergy.

Can pollinosis be completely cured?

Pollinosis is a chronic condition, but with the right approach, symptoms can be well-controlled. In many people, manifestations become milder with age, especially if treatment is started on time and triggering factors are eliminated.

Conclusion

Pollinosis is a common form of seasonal allergy that occurs due to the body’s reaction to plant pollen. Timely recognition of symptoms and the right approach to treatment help significantly reduce discomfort and maintain an active lifestyle even during the blooming period. At the ZDRAVO clinic, patients can get a specialist consultation, undergo examinations, and learn how to effectively control seasonal allergy symptoms.