Hay fever alarm Pollen allergy suffer now

Especially strong pollen count expected in the coming weeks

04/21/2013

Whereas pollen allergy sufferers have been spared from severe hay fever attacks due to the long winter, they are now hit particularly hard by the sudden onset of flowering of alder, poplar, willow, birch and other potential allergy triggers. As a result of the delayed flowering of early flowering plants, numerous plants will simultaneously release their pollen and hay fever patients will suffer in the coming weeks, experts warn, such as the pulmonologist Claus Kroegel from the University Hospital Jena.

In particular, the heyday of so-called early bloomers has been significantly delayed this year due to the long-lasting cold. For example, the pollen from alder and hazel is already in the air from January onwards, and by the end of April, they have their heyday behind them. However, this year the flowering season has shifted significantly to the rear, so that they flower along with other potential hay fever triggers, such as willows, poplars, yews, ash trees and birches. In particular, the onset of birch flowering is a significant burden for many hay fever patients - even without the now expected particularly high pollen concentration in the air - as the birch pollen count among the most common allergen triggers.

Pollen allergy should be examined by a doctor
Delayed, but with all the more force, after a long winter the pollen count sets in. Overall, according to the experts, not more pollen released than in other years, but this happens in the next few weeks particularly concentrated, so the short-term extremely high pollen levels in the air can be achieved. According to the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), who suffer from a pollen allergy and hay fever, about 15 percent of the population, a thoroughly unpleasant consequence of the long-awaited spring. They suffer increasingly from the typical symptoms of hay fever, such as watery, itchy eyes, runny nose and possibly coughing. The symptoms are not only annoying but can also affect the bronchi. It is not uncommon for allergic asthma to develop from hay fever. Hay fever patients should therefore not just ignore their pollen allergy, but use existing treatment options.

Different treatment approaches for hay fever
Although the treatment of hay fever often focuses only on the alleviation of symptoms with the help of so-called antihistamines or glucocorticoids (cortisone), but this can also avoid further worsening of the allergy. However, other methods are needed to overcome pollen allergy. One method that has gained increasing popularity in recent times is the so-called hyposensitization, in which the allergic reaction is to be completely overcome by the regular contact with the allergens. Naturopathy also uses acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, Schüssler salts, self-blood therapy, Bach flower therapy and hypnosis to eliminate hay fever or to relieve the symptoms. Intestinal rehabilitation is another promising treatment option here.

Avoid contact with allergy-causing pollen
Finally, pollen allergy sufferers can also try to avoid contact with their personal allergens as much as possible, but this may involve some effort. If it is clear which pollen causes the allergy, it is worth taking a look at a current pollen calendar to determine how high the air pollution is and possibly to take appropriate precautions. For example, high levels of pollen in the air are not recommended for outdoor stays, windows should not be opened as much as possible, and clothes worn outside should ideally not be taken into the living space and the hair increasingly washed. For ventilation in cars also so-called pollen filters are available. (Fp)

Also read:
The pollen season comes with concentrated power
Protective measures against hay fever
Natural healing: ear acupuncture
Warning about Ambrosia pollen
Hypnotherapy: Therapy in hypnosis
Therapy options for bronchial asthma

Picture: Günther Richter