Understanding Inhalant Allergy
Allergens like pollen are nothing more than foreign plant proteins. The stimulus for sneezing gets triggered when allergens first enter the nasal tissue. Pollen allergens encounter the plasma cells in the nose, which respond by producing antibodies. These antibodies attach to mast cells, which are white blood cells containing the chemical histamine. As more antibodies are produced, they cause the mast cells to release histamine. Histamine then produces allergy symptoms. A stuffy and runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes help to remove the invading pollen. Medications called antihistamines may be used to help alleviate severe allergy symptoms.
United States Department of Health and Human Services What is Allergy Desensitization? Allergy desensitization involves skin prick allergy testing to determine what you are allergic to then administering that allergen on a regular basis to desensitize or “turn down” your immune system’s natural response to the allergen. Many patients experience excellent results from allergy desensitization, often better than that provided by prescription medication.