Mild weather hay fever symptoms even in winter?

Mild winter favors early pollen: First symptoms of hay fever possible

If your nose runs in winter, most people think fast of a cold. But the cause can also be an allergy. Because of the mild temperatures, pollen has already started. Health experts advise treating hay fever early.

Mild temperatures ensure early pollen

"The mild temperatures of the last few weeks bring an early pollen alert to 18 million people with allergies in Germany," writes the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB). According to the experts, the pollen season 2018 started. Bavaria's Minister of Health Melanie Huml explains in a recent statement: "Already now, hazel and alder pollen are flying". Health experts therefore point out that the allergy is not to be confused with a cold and to treat hay fever early.

In winter, many people think of a runny nose more like a cold than an allergy. But the mild temperatures have caused an early pollen count. Hay fever should always be treated early. (Image: mkrberlin / fotolia.com)

Load in winter is much lower

The fact that the season already starts in winter is no longer so unusual, because it has been evident for years that the pollen fly earlier and earlier.

"The burden in the winter months, however, is significantly lower than in the main flowering in spring and summer. Then far more people are affected by the pollen, "said Huml.

Especially in sunshine and wind, allergy sufferers experience problems such as frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, shortness of breath and coughing.

If the symptoms are not overly severe, home remedies for hay fever, such as saline, can be helpful. For stronger symptoms is sometimes advised to medications.

Treat hay fever early

According to health experts, hay fever should always be treated early, otherwise chronic asthma could develop.

Unfortunately, asthma as a result of an unrecognized allergy is not uncommon: about 40 percent of those affected get chronic bronchial asthma after eight years on average - if the allergy is not treated by a doctor, "explains Huml.

It is therefore advisable to speak in case of suspected allergy in a timely manner with the family doctor and if necessary to make an appointment with the allergist. (Ad)