Pollen Essentials
Pollen is a substance that is quite foreign to our systems, causing a plethora of issues, particularly for individuals suffering from seasonal allergies. When our skin or respiratory system comes in contact with pollen, our body instantly sets off reactions to expel it. This initiates histamine production, resulting in symptoms like watery eyes, itchy skin, and congestion—our body's method to get rid of the allergen.
Understanding your pollen allergy can make spring and summer seasons much more manageable. Keep reading to understand more about pollen and how to prepare for spring allergies.
Understanding Pollen
As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, pollen is "a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust." You may be allergic to one or several types of pollen, such as alder tree pollen.
Pollen can originate from:
· Flowers
· Grass
· Trees
· Shrubs
How Pollen Disperses:
· Via insects
· Through the wind
· Pets
· Apparel and footwear
Symptoms & Varieties of Pollen Allergies
Individual reactions can vary, but the most prevalent symptoms are often similar to those of a common cold.
· Congestion
· Sinus pressure
· Fatigue
· Sore throat
· Cough
· Watery, swollen, or itchy eyes
· Skin irritation
Allergies can be seasonal or perennial. Pollen allergies usually fall under the category of seasonal allergies, which flare up with changes in the environment or weather. On the other hand, perennial allergies persist year-round, triggered by elements like pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
Cross-reactive allergies present a more subtle way pollen can affect you. This happens when your body confuses one substance for another—like the proteins in a pear for birch pollen. This mix-up causes the same symptoms as a birch pollen reaction, leading to discomfort and confusion as you suddenly seem sensitive to certain foods.
Common cross-allergies linked to different types of pollen include:
· Stone fruits
· Nuts (including almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts)
· Carrots
· Celery
· Pepper
· Fennel
· Artichokes
The Role of an Air Purifier
Air purifiers function by deploying filtration systems to remove contaminants from your indoor environment.
Pre-filters, typically constructed from a fine mesh material, capture larger particles like hair, lint, and pet fur, helping to prolong the life of the filtration system.
H13 True HEPA filters are required to capture a minimum of 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns to qualify for the H13 rating. These particles include contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles.
Activated carbon filters operate similar to a crumpled piece of sticky tape. As gases, odors, fumes, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pass through, they adhere to the carbon elements and are trapped.
The Benefits of an Air Purifier
Considering the numerous ways pollen can infiltrate your home (through pets, clothing, open doors, and windows), an air purifier is the most straightforward solution to maintain clean air. You'll also appreciate the elimination of other airborne contaminants, providing a relaxed environment.
When selecting an air purifier, consider the following factors to find the right match for your needs:
· Filtration system
· Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR: the frequency at which the air purifier thoroughly filters the room's air)
· Smart control features
· Energy efficiency
· Coverage area
Browse our range of Senelux Air Purifiers to discover the perfect match to keep you comfortable, irrespective of the season.
