pollencsírás

Pollencsírás is a colloquial Hungarian term used to describe tearful eyes driven by pollen exposure during allergy season. It is not a formal medical diagnosis; rather, a common expression in everyday language, especially among people with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Etymology and usage: pollencsírás literally translates to "pollen crying" (pollen = pollen; sírás = crying). It appears in media, social discussions, and patient discussions to describe the visible symptom of tearing, along with itchiness and redness, that accompanies pollen contact. The term emphasizes the tearful component rather than the broader constellation of allergy symptoms.

Description: The phenomenon reflects conjunctival irritation caused by pollen allergens. Pollen exposure triggers an immune response, releasing mediators such as histamine, causing watery eyes, itching, redness, and sometimes swelling. It may occur with other seasonal allergies like sneezing and nasal congestion; some people report tearing as the most noticeable symptom.

Causes and differential: The main cause is seasonal pollen, including grasses, trees, and weeds, with peak times varying by region. Other causes of similar tearing include viral conjunctivitis or irritant exposure; differentiating factors include associated nasal symptoms and duration of symptoms.

Diagnosis and management: Diagnosis is clinical, based on history; allergy testing can identify culprits. Management focuses on reducing exposure (pollen counts, air filtration, closed windows during high pollen periods) and symptomatic treatment: artificial tears, antihistamine eye drops, intranasal corticosteroids, and, if necessary, prescription therapies.

Prognosis: Symptoms are typically seasonal and improve outside pollen seasons; in persistent cases, medical evaluation is recommended to optimize treatment.

See also: allergic conjunctivitis, hay fever, pollinosis.