Rephrased text:
My husband and I, along with our son Roger, have been dealing with seasonal allergy symptoms for several days now. Every year during April and May, my husband Kuba complains about his allergies. He says, “Nicola, you don’t understand how terrible it is to have an allergy.” With a sneeze (Achoo!), he takes medication and soon feels much better. I used to underestimate his symptoms due to men often exaggerating them when they are unwell. However, this year Roger joined us in our “seasonal allergy family,” making things more apparent at home. His eyes swell up and he has a runny nose while complaining about being in a bad mood. Fortunately, the medications that work for Kuba also provide relief for Roger.
In this article introduction not meant for little or big boys but pregnant women; I confess that despite being a doctor myself, my knowledge of allergies is limited – hence why writing a full-fledged piece on this topic would be intimidating as my real patients are expecting mothers like you who may face similar challenges during pollen seasons of specific allergens.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy (SANN) affects approximately 9 million Poles annually with significant consequences on their daily lives including reduced productivity if left untreated [1]. SANN results from an unusual immune system response towards harmless substances called allergens [2] which might manifest differently among pregnant women due to immunological changes taking place during pregnancy [3]. While rare compared to general population rates [4], some expectant mothers experience discomfort such as fatigue and nasal congestion during spring pollen seasons requiring attention by healthcare professionals or specialists like Joanna whom I consulted prior to drafting this content[5]
Pollen Season & Symptoms:
With full bloom of pollen season upon us; people suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis (SANN) struggle extensively through various uncomfortable symptoms affecting millions nationwide[1][6]. This condition stems from abnormal reactions within the immune system against commonly nonreactive environmental factors i.e., pollen grains[7]. In the context of pregnancies:
Symptoms can present themselves similarly pre-pregnancy yet become aggravated or disappear altogether depending upon individual cases[8]; however ensuring effective management remains crucial amidst current
Rinsing your nose with sea salt and eyes with saline solution several times a day can help reduce allergy symptoms. Minimize situations that let pollen into your home, consider using an air purifier.Limit outdoor activities during peak dust periods, wear masks when needed, and put on sunglasses. Change clothes immediately after returning home and wash them frequently. If possible, go to areas with less pollution during allergen seasons.
Currently, we’re experiencing high levels of birch pollen allergens; grass pollen season is approaching soon. Identifying the specific allergen causing your symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment – follow aerobiological reports to guide your doctor visits and prepare accordingly for symptomatic treatments or immunotherapy if necessary.
Safe medications exist for pregnant women dealing with allergic rhinitis symptoms following consultation from their healthcare professional – oral antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine as well as intranasal budesonide are recommended options within category B FDA guidelines (considered safe during pregnancy). Keep in mind that these drugs should only be used under medical supervision throughout pregnancy due to potential risks not yet fully understood despite generally being considered safe overall based on scientific evidence from GRADE guidelines [1][2]. Additionally, patients previously desensitized before pregnancy may continue such treatment while expecting [3]. In summary: identify triggers leading to sensitization; minimize exposure during vulnerable periods; maintain regular use of prescribed medications approved by a healthcare expert to effectively manage disease conditions including asthma[4][5].
References: 1) Marek L Kowalski et al., “Management of Patients With Asthma And Allergic Diseases During The SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic,” European Annals of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (2020), 1–9.
2) Joanna Jamróz-Brzeska (@mama_alergolog), article titled “[…]”, undated.
3) Next-generation ARIA Guidelines – Part I: Methodology (“Real World Evidence” approach); Bousquet J et al., Journal Of Allergy And Clinical Immunology Volumes 145 Issues suppl_1 pp S70–S80e3 (December 2020).
