Allergy Waiting for the pollen explosion

Allergy sufferers have so far been spared severe pollen

09/04/2013

While most Germans are increasingly bothered by the recurrent cold spells, the relatively cool weather also has a positive effect for pollen allergy sufferers: the expected explosion of pollen has initially shifted. According to the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), the air pollution caused by birch pollen, to which many people are allergic, is still relatively low.

Although hazel and alder pollen have been in the air for some time now, the concentrations have so far remained within the framework of the cool weather. In addition, significantly fewer people are allergic to the pollen of alder and hazel, as for example birch pollen. According to the DAAB, about 15 percent of the population suffer from hay fever or a pollen allergy. For them, the long winter has the advantage that they can still stay outdoors without the annoying hay fever symptoms.

So far only a few pollen in the air
The weather plays a crucial role in the development of the inflorescence of the individual plant species. Even the early bloomers such as hazel and alder, whose pollen already fly in the winter months, require a minimum amount of sun and heat. The repeated cold spells and the low number of hours of sunshine have contributed to the fact that so far the air pollution with hazel and alder pollen is rather limited. According to DAAB expert Anja Schwalfenberg to the news agency „dpa“ Birch blossom is also still in its infancy. The persistent cold has meant that the inflorescences of the birches are still relatively small and so far hardly birch pollen in the air.

Improvement of pollen forecast planned
How the pollen load will develop in the coming weeks is still relatively unclear. Because next to „other location and weather factors“ hang „the development of flowers from the temperature“, emphasized Anja Schwalfenberg. With the help of a new early warning system, however, the pollen allergy sufferers should be able to obtain much better information about the actual pollen load in the air, according to the DAAB. Based on the initiative „Hay fever-detection system“ the pollen forecast should be significantly improved. For that it is „makes sense to include the current complaints of the patients.“ Hay fever sufferers should report their observations to the DAAB, so that they can then be incorporated into the pollen schedule.

Pollen allergy associated with increased asthma risk
Hay fever is not only annoying for those affected, because they constantly suffer from runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing attacks, but the pollen allergy also carries other health risks. According to the DAAB, around one third of hay fever patients develop this way „a year round, allergic asthma.“ In addition, about 60 percent of pollen allergy sufferers are affected by a cross-allergy. The pollen count could also „For example, it can also increase other allergies to foods and trigger skin complaints such as eczema“, reports the German Allergy and Asthma Association. (Fp)

Also read:
Allergy sufferers: pollen due to mild weather
Hyposensitization to hay fever
No alcohol in hay fever and pollen allergy
Alcohol can increase asthma and hay fever
Cold winter at pollen allergy ideal

Image: Rita Gäbel