Dust and pollen are two of the most common allergens. Dust is a general term for tiny particles that float around in the air, while pollen is mainly considered to be plant-based. While dust can cause many health issues, such as sinus infections or asthma attacks, pollen can lead to allergies and other conditions like hay fever. In fact, In 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that inhalable particles cause lung cancer. On this note, this article will discuss the link between dust and pollen and their effects on your health.
Allergies
Allergies are caused by the immune system’s reaction to common substances in your environment. These substances can be in dust, pollen, or pet dander. If you have allergies, symptoms such as itchy eyes or a runny nose may appear when you breathe in these substances. Pollen allergies usually occur during spring and summer when plants release pollen into the air. Dust mites can trigger allergic reactions in some people due to their tiny size. Molds are another common source of allergens that cause sneezing and asthma attacks among people suffering from respiratory problems like seasonal allergies or hay fever.
Cold and flu
Dust and pollens can also cause colds and the flu. If you’re exposed to these allergens in high concentrations and don’t have any protection against them, you may develop a cold or the flu. This is because your body will start making antibodies to fight off foreign invaders. These antibodies are made of proteins that cause inflammation in your nose and throat. This can result in symptoms like congestion, coughing, sore throat, and fever. In fact, allergens can increase your chances of developing the cold or flu by as much as 50%.
To manage your cold and flu symptoms, you should consider taking high-quality vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient your body needs for many functions, including fighting off infections like the cold and flu. Also, always wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes and nose with dirty hands. This will help you avoid getting sick in the first place!
Asthma attacks
Particulate matter is the most common trigger for asthma symptoms, which can vary from person to person. When you breathe in dust and pollen particles, your body reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This causes inflammation that makes it hard for you to breathe. Some people may experience only mild symptoms, while others can have severe reactions that need immediate medical treatment—and in some cases, emergency care.
If you have asthma and start having trouble breathing or feel like something is stuck in your throat or chest, it’s essential to pay attention so you can get help immediately if needed. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Hay fever
Hay fever, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is a common condition when exposed to allergens in the air. These allergens are usually dust and pollen.
Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance called an allergen. In the case of hay fever, that allergen is typically something like pollen or mold spores. Allergic reactions can range from mild — like sneezing, red eyes, or a runny nose — to severe — like anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction).
There’s no cure for hay fever, but there are treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis available to help manage symptoms and keep them under control.
Viral infections
Viruses are infectious agents that multiply inside the cells of other organisms. They can be passed from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and touching surfaces. Or they can be inhaled by breathing them in as you breathe in dust or pollen particles in the air. These tiny particles get into your nose or mouth and travel down your throat, attaching themselves to cells lining your respiratory tract—making you very sick. Approximately 10 to 40% of all colds are caused by rhinovirus (the common cold), influenza virus, and adenovirus.
In Closing
While dust and pollen can cause health problems, they don’t have to. With the proper protection and planning ahead of time, it’s easy to avoid these allergens. A dust mask or surgical face mask will keep you from inhaling dust particles, while a good air purifier can remove pollen from your home if needed. If you know someone who suffers from allergies or asthma, consider buying an air purifier for them as well! It’s not easy to avoid dust or pollen, but it’s possible. With the proper protection and planning ahead of time, you can keep yourself healthy and happy during allergy season.
