Allergic people suffer from hazelnut pollen

Allergic people suffer from hazelnut pollen

01/04/2012

Due to the mild temperatures, the hay fever season starts about six weeks earlier this year. Meteorologist Günther Hamm from the German Weather Service (DWD) explains: „The pollen are flying again. For allergy sufferers, this is the beginning of a long chain of suffering“ Especially the pollen of the hazel and the alder make the allergy sufferers, as they belong to the early flowering.

Mild temperatures lead to premature pollen
As winter is very mild this year, experts expect a pollen count that is premature about six weeks in comparison to cold winters. Allergy sufferers are mainly affected by hazel and alder pollen, as these are among the early flowering plants. Normally, they would not develop their flowers until mid-February. However, this is already the case because of the mild temperatures. Depending on the temperature, poplar, willow and ash will follow in March or earlier. The German Weather Service has 45 pollen measuring traps that have already been activated. Usually only 15 pollen traps are in operation during the winter.

Hyposensitization to pollen allergy
Hyposensitization (Specific Immunotherapy), in contrast to other therapies, directly addresses the cause. In this case, the allergic each pollen allergen in low, but gradually increasing dosage to led. With successful therapy, the allergic person becomes insensitive to the pollen. The German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) advises to have the hyposensitization performed by an allergologically experienced doctor.

The DAK doctor Elisabeth Thomas also advises early hyposensitization: „This treatment has a success rate of 80 percent.“ The expert further explains: „Those affected usually benefit from the therapy in the first season. However, the treatment lasts between three and five years and should ideally be carried out during the time without the hay fever.“ If this time is missed, the allergic person can alleviate his symptoms, at least with the help of medication.

Treatment options in naturopathy
In naturopathy, there are numerous treatments available to alleviate the symptoms of pollen allergy. These include homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture and therapy with vital substances. Furthermore, self-blood therapy, hypnotherapy, Bach flower therapy or intestinal rehabilitation are promising treatment options. (Ag)

Read about:
Birch pollen flight heralds hay fever
Allergy suffer from extreme pollen load
Pollen allergy: hazel and alder in the approach
Hazelnut and alder pollen flight approaching
Hyposensitization to hay fever

Picture credits: Thomas Blenkers