Spring has arrived, and nature is coming to life in spectacular bloom. While many of us revel in the beauty and color of the season, quite a few are silently suffering from a phenomenon known as 'Hay Fever', and what many are unaware of is that these allergens are right next to us – on the boulevards, sidewalks, public gardens, and even on the walls of houses.
The hidden enemies outside
It turns out that those innocent-looking plants that we pass by every day are exactly the ones that cause suffering for many of us. About 40% of wild plants in the country belong to the legume family, known to us as 'grass' and are found everywhere - in gardens, parks, and open spaces.
"The main problem is that we don't recognize the enemy," explains Dr. Yosef Pansoff, an allergist and immunologist at Clalit's Lin Consultant Medical Center for the Haifa and Western Galilee District. "People suffer from a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, and don't associate it with the vegetation in their immediate environment."
One of the most surprising is the Wall of Judah, a plant that grows abundantly on sidewalks and walls throughout the country, especially in the north of the country and Jerusalem. This plant, which many people do not even notice, causes severe allergic reactions almost all year round, especially in the spring.
Symptoms that disrupt life
Seasonal allergy sufferers report a variety of symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life: difficulty breathing, lack of concentration, and sleep problems. In some cases, the allergy even develops into seasonal asthma, which manifests as shortness of breath and wheezing.
“Many sufferers are unaware that the plants growing everywhere around them are causing these symptoms,” adds Dr. Pensoff. “It is important to identify the specific plants that trigger the allergic reaction in each person.”
Mapping allergens in our environment
Not all plants cause allergies. Only those that are capable of releasing pollen into the wind pose an allergenic threat. Among them are:
- 1. The cereal family – the various lawn plants and wild grains that make up a significant part of the local vegetation.
- 2. Certain trees – especially olive, cypress, oak and pecan.
- 3. Common wild plants – such as yarrow, goosefoot, yarrow, and the aforementioned Judean phalaenopsis.
- It is surprising to discover that trees such as pine and eucalyptus, which are sometimes perceived as allergy triggers, are actually relatively rare causes.
How do you cope?
The first step in dealing with a plant allergy is identifying the specific trigger. This can be done through simple skin tests at allergy clinics.
After identifying the cause, appropriate drug treatment can be received for the relevant rash period:
– Modern antihistamine pills that do not cause drowsiness
– Low-dose steroid nasal sprays
– Eye drops for topical use
– Inhalers in case of respiratory symptoms
"It is important to start treatment about ten days before the start of the flowering season and continue it until its end," emphasizes Dr. Pansoff. "In particularly severe cases, when drug treatment is insufficient, immunotherapy can be considered, which has a high success rate."
In conclusion,
The fact that allergenic plants are everywhere around us doesn't mean we have to suffer. Environmental awareness, early identification of the causes, and timely initiation of treatment can significantly improve the quality of life during the spring season.
There is no reason why, during the most beautiful season of the year, we should suffer from symptoms that interfere with our ability to enjoy nature. Allergists can provide the tools needed to deal with the hidden allergens that surround us.