Pollen allergy, or allergic rhinitis caused by pollen, is the most common seasonal allergy in Croatia. It is estimated to affect around 15–20% of the population, and the number of sufferers has been growing over recent decades — experts link this to urbanization, climate change, and longer flowering periods for plants.

What is pollen and why does it cause an allergic reaction

Pollen is a fine powder produced by the male parts of flowers — pollen grains are used by plants for reproduction. Wind carries pollen over long distances, which means the cause of your symptoms does not need to grow right outside your window. The most allergenic in our region are:

  • Grasses (June–July) — most common pollen allergy
  • Trees (February–May) — birch, alder, hazel, beech, oak
  • Weeds (August–October) — ragweed, mugwort

In sensitive individuals, the immune system mistakenly recognizes proteins on the pollen grain surface as a threat and triggers a defense response. Inflammatory mediators are released, the most well-known being histamine, which causes typical symptoms.

Typical symptoms

Pollen allergy symptoms are usually a mirror image of the common cold, but without fever. Most commonly:

  • watery discharge from nose and sneezing in fits
  • nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through nose
  • itching in nose, mouth and throat
  • red, watering and itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
  • fatigue and feeling of "brain fog"
  • in people with asthma — increased cough, chest tightness and wheezing

Symptoms are worse outdoors in windy and dry weather, and usually decrease after rain which washes pollen from the air.

How is diagnosis made

Diagnosis is made by a family physician or allergist based on:

  1. Medical history — when symptoms appear, how long they last, what makes them worse.
  2. Skin prick tests — drops of different allergen extracts are applied to the forearm, the skin is pricked and the reaction is read after about 15 minutes.
  3. Blood tests — measuring levels of specific IgE antibodies to individual allergens.

Only after diagnosis does it make sense to consider targeted therapies, especially specific immunotherapy.

Practical measures that help

Although you cannot completely avoid pollen, these steps noticeably reduce exposure:

  • Check the pollen forecast before going outside. pelud.net displays current levels for cities in Croatia and Slovenia.
  • Ventilate in the morning or late evening, when pollen concentrations are usually lower. On windy days keep windows closed, especially during the day.
  • Wash hair before bed — pollen grains settle on hair and from your pillow go straight into your airways.
  • Dry laundry indoors during the season. Outside it will collect pollen.
  • Drive with windows up and, if your car has one, use a filter that traps pollen (HEPA).
  • Sunglasses mechanically reduce the amount of pollen entering your eyes.
  • A shower after coming home removes pollen from skin and hair.

Most commonly used medications

Most pollen allergy medications are available without prescription:

  • Second-generation antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, desloratadine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine) — foundation of therapy. They do not cause drowsiness like older generations.
  • Nasal corticosteroid sprays (mometasone, fluticasone) — most effective for nasal congestion. They need to be used regularly to show full effect.
  • Eye drops with antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer for allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Saline rinses — simple and safe method for mechanical removal of pollen.

Your doctor may also prescribe specific immunotherapy (allergen drops under the tongue or injections) for those who want long-term reduction in sensitivity. Treatment lasts 3–5 years and is the only form of therapy that changes the course of disease.

When to see a doctor

Visit your doctor if:

  • symptoms last more than several weeks and affect sleep, work or study;
  • you have wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness — possible associated asthma;
  • over-the-counter medications do not help after 1–2 weeks of regular use;
  • you are considering immunotherapy.

Note

This text is informational in nature and does not replace medical advice. For specific symptoms, medication combinations or the decision about immunotherapy, consult your family physician or allergist.