Allergy to flowers - the solution to the problem is!

Spring, summer - not only all the beloved seasons, when everything is filled with life, boils, smells and develops. These are the seasons, during which the flowering period falls on practically all plants. How nice it is to go out into the field and pick fragrant bright flowers! .. And some such goods are not available, because because of the physiological characteristics of the body, people often develop an allergy to flowering plants. In this case, even an ordinary walk through the streets of the city can turn into torture! In a scientific way, an allergy to flowers is called pollen. This is a chronic disease that causes irritation of the mucosa due to the pollen of flowers. Allergy to flowers affects the work of many organs and systems - respiratory, digestive, nervous systems, as well as the mucous membrane, skin and some internal organs.

In medical practice it is fixed that 700 kinds of flowers and 11000 species of flowering plants can cause allergy. However, the period of their flowering does not coincide and in each climatic zone the period of exacerbation of allergies to flowers is different. So, in many European, and also in North American countries, "floristic maps" are specially compiled that reflect the period and the territory of flowering of certain plant species that cause allergies.

The most favorable time for producing and spreading pollen is the morning when the air is sufficiently humid and not yet hot. Therefore in the morning in the air the maximum concentration of pollen per day. During a drought or vice versa during the rainy season, pollen concentration in the air decreases significantly.

Allergy to flowers in the patient manifests itself when particles of it fall on the nasal mucosa. Upon inhalation, dust particles enter the upper respiratory tract and gradually move towards the lower respiratory tract. In addition to a pronounced response of the respiratory tract to the allergen, the reaction of the mucous membrane of the eyes is also observed.

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Causes of flower allergy

So what are the causes of allergy to flowers? What and what exactly causes an allergy to flowers in humans? Doctors say that the main causes of flower allergies are particles of pollen that penetrate deep into the body, which settle on the nasal mucosa and irritate it. In order for the body to become allergic to flowers, the pollen elements of this flower must have a "permeability factor" that helps the pollen of the flowers to reach the mucosa, pass through its epithelial ball and disrupt the protective functions of the upper respiratory tract. Typically, people with allergic reactions to flowers are predisposed to, and allergic reactions to flowers were observed in older relatives.

An allergy to flowers in a person who is predisposed to this reaction, acts on the response mechanism. At the time when the pollen enters the human body, the immunoglobulins G and E enter the reaction. The amount of biologically active substances such as histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and others increases in the blood.

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What flowers cause allergy?

Most plant species produce a very small amount of pollen, which is not capable of causing an allergic reaction. However, among flowering fodder and meadow grasses, cereals, as well as ornamental house plants, there are a number of names that are indisputable leaders in allergic reaction to them. It is worth noting that cereal plants can contribute to the emergence of a cross-allergic reaction to pollen of other plants.

From cereal plants the most active allergens are: wheat, rye, alfalfa, rice, sugar cane and others.

Cross reactions can cause sunflowers, wormwood, mother-and-stepmother, dandelion, flowering weeds.

The most dangerous flowers that cause allergies are those that belong to the ragweed sub-species - these are daisies, sunflowers and the like. Not safe for allergies are also some medicinal plants, for example, chamomile is common, leaves and flowers of which can cause an allergy attack. Extremely unsafe for health flowers species of amaranth weeds. Although their flowers are small, however, they are extremely pollen, capable of shaking your health.

In addition to these plants and flowers, allergies are also called wormwood, hops, nettle. It is also known that there are a lot of cases of allergies to flowers and other plants that appeared after touching the leaves of cherries or petioles, raspberries, as well as shirits and garden jasmine.

Of the blossoming trees, pollen is the most common pollen: from coniferous trees - spruce, fir, pine, cypress; also from flowering fruit and berry - apple, cherry, pear; Allega, hazel, mimosa, birch, poplar, acacia, platanus and others possess equally strong allergens. If the trees are restless, stressful, that is, they grow near a busy road, for example, but pollination occurs more intensively, and therefore the concentration of pollen in the air increases from them many-fold.

An allergy to flowers comes from plants, the pollen of which is carried by the wind - the nondescript small flowers of these plants can not attract insects, because pollination occurs through the air. Plants, whose flowers are large and bright pollinated by insects and allergic reactions do not cause.

Indoor Allergy Flowers

Growing beautiful decorative flowers at home, we rarely think about the fact that they can cause us an allergic reaction, terrible cramps, runny nose and continuous sneezing. Most often an allergy to flowers that grow on the windowsill, appears due to the spread in the air of essential oils produced by the flowers themselves. The thing is that these essential oils are so light and volatile that they spread extremely quickly in an enclosed space. Upon contact with the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs, essential oils quickly reach the target, causing a terrible puffiness in the mucosa and other allergic horrors.

No less mobile and easily penetrating pollen of plants, in which there are biologically active substances such as alkaloids (nitrogen-containing organic compounds), saponins (nitrogen-free glycosides of plant origin) and others.

Often, the manifestation of allergies caused by domestic plants depends solely on the individual tolerability or intolerance of one or another type of secretions released by the plant.

So, what are the indoor flowers that cause allergies, we grow at home:

• Pelargonium ("Geranium"), which belongs to the family of Geranium, contains essential oil in the leaves. Of these, a special aroma is distinguished, which is perceived individually by each person - either causes an allergic reaction, or sweetens the sense of smell;
• ferns in all their many species can be extremely allergenic, since during breeding (and they multiply by spores), the propagation organs of the plant scatter throughout the room;
• Krinum and eucharis (which belong to the family of Amaryllis) during their flowering lavish a strong aroma, which is explained by the amount of essential oils contained. At allocation of aroma there is also an allocation of essential oils which can cause an allergy;
• family Kutrovyh, namely oleander, catarrhatus and alamand, when the period of reproduction and flowering is suitable, they emit a considerable amount of fragrant substances into the environment. Such a release can be significantly reflected on health, causing mild asphyxia, headaches and tachycardia;
• the family of the Aroids, which is often represented in the world of domestic plants by diffenbachia, broomsticks, alocations, philodendrons, aglaonames and other plants, is dangerous for its juice. Upon contact of the affected leaf with the hands and further trituration of the juice, a severe allergic reaction and even skin and mucous membrane damage can occur. It is recommended to use gloves and gauze dressings when working with these plants;
• aristolochia or carcassone have very interesting flowers that contain a sufficient number of alkaloids to be considered poisonous. These plants are considered medicines, but still it is not recommended to keep such plants at home;
• Euphorbia (euphorbia), Croton (codeium) and Akalifa are plants belonging to the Euphorbiaceae. The whitish juice that comes out of a broken stalk or leaf can cause an allergy attack in the person touching it. Usually, contact with these plants should be minimized and placed far away. Allergies can be obtained by plant transplantation or by washing the leaves;
• (pancakes), Kalanchoe, echeveria and sedum or purification belong to plants from the Tolstyankov family. Such plants are used by many people as components used in recipes of alternative medicine. They undoubtedly have a healing effect, however, they can still cause an allergic reaction to the skin, and when ingested juice can provoke strong swelling of the respiratory system. Such a "healing" effect can please the cyclamen, which is capable of inflicting a severe mucous burn during contact with the plant's juice;
• Agave, on the other hand, cleans the air in the room of undesirable manifestations of microflora, but its juice, which is usually used in the treatment of lumbar diseases and in sciatica, can leave burns on the skin;
• unsafe can be breeding at home rhododendron - during the flowering period, it releases a very strong, strong odor that can be reflected on human health as a sustained headache, sometimes accompanied by skin rashes.

Symptoms of flower allergy

What are the symptoms of allergies to flowers and other plants? Is there a symptomatic difference between an allergy to flowers caused by wild plants and home decorative?

Of the constant symptoms of flower allergy, respiratory problems (especially nasal) are observed in the patients, as well as a runny nose and other discharge from the nose of a watery structure. The most common symptom is sneezing.

Often when pollinosis, itching is observed on the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and itching in the eyes. Eyes also give out the disease, when there is abundant tearing, often - conjunctivitis, there may be an effect of "sand" in the eyes. If the noise in the ears or the organs of hearing are sore - this is also one of the signs of an allergy to flowers. Repeated seasonal dermatitis or bronchial asthma also talk about allergies to flowering plants.

A true symptom of flower allergy is the seasonality of the recurrence of the disease. If there is a cyclic process of repeating the same manifestations of allergy, it is most likely a chronic allergy that occurs during the flowering period of certain plants and the release of a large amount of pollen into the air. Over time, the duration of the manifestation of symptoms can be considerably increased and aggravated. It is also possible to develop adverse allergies, for example, the non-perception of strong odors, dust or changes in the temperature regime.

Allergy to flowers in children

Pollinosis often develops in children, to be more precise, almost every tenth child suffers from an allergy to flowers. When the pollen or essential oils get into the air, then they are inhaled by the baby, hitting the mucous membrane and settling on the skin and bronchi, the parents, together with the kids, often turn to the doctors. Strong allergic reactions, rashes alarming caring parents and not without reason - an allergy, like any other disease, you need to treat! The immune system of children reacts to pollen, harmless to many people, for foreign invasion and fights against "enemy invaders".

As already stated earlier, allergies are not born, but in the case of a parent's illness, a child may develop an allergic reaction to the flowering and spread of pollen in the near future. Preliminary signs of development in a child of flower allergy are allergic to incorrect feeding in infants when a food allergy occurs. Further, during the development of the baby and the use of rough food, due to the use of unwanted products, such as sweets, carbonated drinks or chips, such an allergy may worsen. The peak of the flower allergy development in a child falls to a 6-year-old age, when the immune system is already getting used to fighting similarly with foreign elements.

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Diagnosis of flower allergy

First of all, before the beginning of treatment it is necessary to diagnose allergies to flowers. Before treatment, you always need to understand what kind of problem you are facing.

First of all, the nature of the disease is important, that is, what kind of disease do you have - allergic or not allergic. Sometimes patients with self-diagnosis make a mistake, taking the body's reactions to other pathogens, as an allergy to flowers. For example, it is often confused with allergies when taking medications with pollen allergy.

It is important to establish a hereditary nature of the disease. To determine this characteristic physicians are collecting anamnesis, which largely determines the relationship of allergy to the environment. Skin tests help determine which plant or plant type the human allergy is spreading, as well as the degree of damage to the body and the nature of the disease.

To assign an effective course of treatment, it is better to seek help in diagnosing flower allergy for doctors.

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Treatment of allergies to flowers

Treatment of allergies to flowers is carried out with the help of medications of various pharmacological forms. The most effective antihistamines: diazolin, suprastin, pipolfen, tavegil, peritol, fenkarol and others.

Diazoline - a tablet form; blocks histamine receptors, anti-allergen, reduces the degree of swelling of the mucosa. The effect after taking the medication is visible after 15-30 minutes after taking the pill, the effect can last up to 2 days. Dragee is taken by children under 5 years to 0.05 g 2-3 times a day, for adults the dose is 0.3 g single, 0.6 g daily.

Suprastinum - the tablet form, injectable; an antihistamine drug that blocks histamine receptors. It is taken during eating to 0,025 g 2-3 times a day, with a serious course of the disease, intramuscularly or intravenously, 1-2 ml of a 2% solution.

Pipolphene is a form of dragee; antihistamine drug, eliminates itching, dries mucous membranes, pronounced anticholinergic effect on certain zones of the medulla oblongata, sedative effect. The effect is manifested in 20 minutes after taking, lasts up to 12 hours. The maximum daily dose for an adult is 150 mg. Intramuscular - 25 mg once a day, with severe forms of the disease - 12.5 - 25 mg every 4-6 hours. Children from 6 years - 25 mg 3-4 times a day.

Tavegil - tablet form, injection, syrup; blocks the production of histamine, anti-allergen, prevents smooth muscle contractions, prevents vasodilation. The effect is achieved after 5-7 minutes after administration, observed up to 12 hours. It is prescribed for 1 mg twice a day, if necessary, the dose increases to 3-6 mg per day. Intravenous and intramuscular administration of 2 mg 2 times a day.

Peritol - a tablet form, syrup; blocking gastamine, anti-allergic effect, sedative effect, blocking hypersecretion. The dose for an adult is 4 mg 3 times a day, for children from 0.4 to 12 mg per day, depending on the weight.

Fenkarol - a tablet form; blocks the production of histamine, activates the enzyme diaminoksidazu. For adults it is recommended - 25-50 mg 3-4 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg. The duration of the course of treatment is 10-15 days.

Today there are a number of antiallergic drugs, the effect of which lasts up to 24 hours. Some of them, for example, Erius, have no side effects and are considered the safest. So from the preparations appointed or nominated at an allergy on flowers, long action have loratadine, klarotadin, fenistil, klaritin, zirtek and the erius named earlier.

Loratadine is a tablet form; antiallergic, antipruritic effect. The effect is observed 30 minutes after ingestion and lasts up to 24 hours. Dosage for adults and children over 12 years - 1 tablet a day, children from 2 to 12 years - 0.5 tablets.

Clarotadine is a tablet form; blocks histamine, antiallergic, antipruritic. Does not affect the nervous system and is not addictive. The effect is achieved after 30 minutes after ingestion, lasts up to 24 hours. Dosage for adults and children over 12 years - 1 tablet a day, children from 2 to 12 years - 0.5 tablets.

Fenistil - in the form of a gel, drops; antiallergic effect, antiserotonin and anti-bradykinin effect. Dosage for adults - 20-40 drops three times a day. Children, depending on age and weight, are prescribed 0.1 mg of substance per kilogram of body weight 3 times a day.

Claritin - tablet form, suspension for oral administration, syrup; reduces the amount of histamine and leukotriene, relieves allergy symptoms. The effect is achieved after 30 minutes after ingestion, lasts up to 24 hours. Adults and children who weigh more than 30 kg take 10 mg once a day.

Zirtek - form of drops, solution for oral administration, tablets, syrup; facilitates the course of allergic reactions, relieves itching, has antiexudative action. The effect is achieved in 20 minutes after taking the first dose of the drug, lasts 24 hours, after the course of treatment is held for 3 days. Tablets, when taken, are washed down with a glass of water, the drops also dissolve in water. Dose for adults and children over 6 years - 10 mg once a day, or 5 mg twice a day. For children under 6 years, the daily dose should be in total 5 mg.

Erius is a tablet form, syrup; antihistamine. Effective 30 minutes after taking, period of action - up to 27 hours. It is prescribed for 1 tablet a day. If you use for the treatment of syrup - adults and children over 12 years old - 10 ml of medicament once a day. Children dosage ranges from 1 mg to 2 mg.

Prevention of allergies to flowers

If you already know about your disease, you need to prevent allergy to flowers. Remember that the highest concentration of pollen in the air is observed in the morning, therefore for outdoor walks it is worth choosing a later time. Also, during flowering, avoid country trips to forests, fields and so on. Do not store dried flowers at home.

It is worth not to use cosmetics, which includes extracts of plant origin. When using detergents, you should not use those based on floral components.

When entering the street, do not forget to take your sunglasses with you. On arrival from the street, it is recommended to wash the nasopharyngeal mucosa, as well as wash.

Remembering that the clouds of pollen fly in the air in the morning, air the rooms preferably in the evening. If you open the windows in the daytime, it is worth curling the windows with a dense cotton tulle or a soaked mesh.

Daily wet cleaning is recommended in residential and work areas. In nutrition, you also need to be as selective as possible to the choice of foods.

Remember, an allergy to flowers is not a diagnosis. To eliminate it, you just need to choose the right method of treatment. If you have any difficulties with determining the source of poor health - do not panic and do not begin to be treated all in a row. The best way out of this situation will be a visit to an allergist. The doctor will not only determine the most dangerous to your health allergen, but also select the most effective drug for treating allergies to flowers and other flowering plants.

Be healthy and happy!