Dorothy FarrarBarley Pollen Allergy
There are 32 different types of barley. The plant belongs to the grass family and can cause allergic reactions when processed as food and when inhaled. Barley hardly releases any pollen. Nevertheless, an allergy can occur if the pollen is inhaled. Barley pollen allergy triggers symptoms similar to other grass allergies.
What is barley pollen allergy?
A barley pollen allergy is the hypersensitivity of the immune system to barley pollen proteins ( allergens ). A pathological change occurs when the allergy sufferer and the allergen come into contact.
In addition to signs of inflammation, the formation of antibodies is also triggered. For an allergy to develop, there must be repeated exposure to the allergen. This process is called sensitization. With a barley pollen allergy, certain symptoms appear. These can be alleviated by medication or hyposensitization .
causes
The allergic reaction to barley pollen is caused by an overreaction of the immune system. As a complex system of cells and proteins, the immune system is responsible for fighting invading pathogens. If barley pollen occurs, its proteins are classified as pathogens by the immune system.
As a result of the misinterpretation of the defense system, inflammatory reactions occur. These are triggered by the messenger substances histamine and leukotrienes. Since a barley pollen allergy is an inhalation allergy, the defense reaction takes place in the mucous membranes. It leads to watery eyes, runny nose and irritated ears. Whether the dysregulation of the immune system is hereditary cannot be ruled out.
The willingness to react allergically to harmless substances is hereditary. This does not mean that a child with allergies will definitely become allergic. However, his chances are increased. The cause of a barley pollen allergy can also lie in childhood. If the immune system was not challenged as a child due to pronounced hygiene, the body’s own defense system reacts to harmless substances (hygiene hypothesis).
When to the doctor?
If symptoms occur that match a barley pollen allergy, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In the case of severe symptoms – such as a severe cold, reddening of the skin, itching on the arms and legs or swollen eyes – an immediate visit to the doctor is recommended. If a breathing emergency occurs for the first time, this must be medically clarified immediately. A doctor must determine the cause of the immune reaction and assess the risk of recurrence. A concrete suspicion of a barley pollen allergy must also be clarified.
Those affected should initially observe the symptoms for a few days. If these increase and have a major impact on your well-being, a visit to your family doctor or allergist is advisable. Early treatment is necessary in any case to rule out complications. In addition, the doctor will issue an allergy pass to the allergy sufferer – an important tool in an emergency. Infants, children, the elderly and pregnant women should seek medical advice immediately at the first sign of an allergy. Anyone who is exposed to barley pollen at work must have the allergy clarified quickly for insurance reasons alone.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms:
- tingling in the nose
The symptoms of an allergy to barley pollen are similar to the reactions of other grass allergies. Typical symptoms are watery and itchy eyes. An allergic reaction is also noticeable in and on the ears. Ear infections can occur. An allergic cold and an itchy nose are also among the symptoms of a barley pollen allergy. Likewise, sneezing fits, a runny nose or a chronically blocked nose. If a barley pollen allergy occurs, the symptoms follow a certain sequence: First, there is an itchy nose. A reddening of the eyes follows. Sometimes the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat also burn. As the disease progresses, the ears become itchy or inflamed. The intensity of these symptoms increases with massive pollen count.
Without drug treatment, the ability to smell is reduced after a week. When the conjunctiva of the eyes is affected, this inflammation also increases without treatment. Tearing and photophobia occur. In case of particular vulnerability, asthma can also occur as an allergic reaction.
Diagnose
There are several ways to diagnose a barley pollen allergy. First, the prick test . The doctor pricks the forearm with a fine needle and drips a solution containing allergens (barley pollen protein) onto it. If a clear reaction occurs, an allergy is present. Using a provocation test, barley pollen can be applied to the bronchial and conjunctival mucosa under medical supervision. If swelling follows, an allergy is present. A blood test for antibodies can also detect a barley pollen allergy.
complications
As a rule, the symptoms and complications of barley pollen allergy can be avoided relatively well and easily if contact with the triggering substance is completely avoided. Complications do not usually occur and those affected do not suffer from any particular symptoms. On contact, however, this leads to a blocked nose and not infrequently to a runny nose. The nose itself tingles severely and those affected often have to sneeze. Furthermore, the barley pollen allergy can also lead to reddening of the skin or swelling of the eyes. This allergy can also cause shortness of breath, so that the patient’s quality of life is significantly reduced. The skin often itches and feels very uncomfortable. As a rule, no causal treatment of barley pollen allergy can be carried out. The symptoms themselves are avoided and limited by avoiding the triggering substance. In serious or acute emergencies, those affected are dependent on medication that can alleviate the symptoms. The life expectancy of the patient is usually not affected or reduced by the barley pollen allergy.
treatment and therapy
The symptoms of a barley pollen allergy can be treated with medication. The preparations dock onto the messenger substances histamine and leukotrienes. They prevent the defense reaction of the immune system. Medications used include antihistamines . They block the docking site of histamine. After taking an antihistamine, the effect occurs within an hour. They are a good way to relieve existing allergic reactions.
Antihistamines are available as eye drops and nasal sprays for external use and as tablets for oral use. Another method is leukotriene receptor antagonists. They block the messenger substance of the leukotrienes. Cortisone helps with a pronounced barley pollen allergy . It is an endogenous hormone and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Cortisone-related substances can be applied locally in the form of a nasal spray or systemically as a tablet.
If it is not a question of treating acute symptoms, therapy with mast cell stabilizers can be started. Mast cells are responsible for the release of inflammatory messengers (including histamine ). The active ingredient in mast cell stabilizers is either cromoglycic acid or nedocromil. It stabilizes the mast cells and prevents the release of messenger substances. This drug should be taken a week before pollen count.
prevention
Pollen screens on the window help prevent an allergic reaction to barley pollen. These prevent pollen from entering the home. Without a pollen protection grid, attention should be paid to the pollen concentration and the room should be ventilated accordingly.A pollen count calendar provides a good overview of when symptoms can occur. If possible, the holiday can be placed in the high pollen season. This avoids the heavy pollen load. Since barley pollen can get into the apartment through street clothes, you should change before entering the bedroom. Washed bed linen should not be dried outside.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.