Pollen running training tips for hayfever

With hay fever simple measures against pollen allergy help

05/02/2014

If the first pollen fly in the spring, that means the beginning of the hay fever season for allergy sufferers. A runny nose, sneezing, burning eyes and even shortness of breath can be the result. For outdoor sports is therefore unthinkable for many affected people in this season. The doctor and long-distance runner Stefanie Mollnhauer talks to the „focus“ Tips on how to save the fun of running training despite allergy.

In hay fever, the running training should take place early in the morning with low pollen load of the air
Already in February the first pollen flew through the air this year. The unusually warm temperatures at the beginning of the year made the winter mild and gave the vegetation a big lead. Pollen allergy sufferers therefore had to struggle much earlier with the unpleasant symptoms of hay fever than in previous years. After hazel, alder and birch, rye and many grasses now also release their pollen in May. This begins the most stressful time for allergy sufferers. For runners, this often means involuntary exercise breaks or treadmill training at the gym.

The expert Stefanie Mollnhauer has put together tips for outdoor athletes, which make outdoor training bearable even during the pollen season, because sports to a reasonable extent strengthens the immune system and the psyche, which has a positive effect on the course of the allergy. So it is advisable to put the training on a time of day, in which the lowest possible pollen load of the air is recorded, advises the expert. Especially in the morning or after a rainstorm, there are very few pollen on the way, so that runners could expect reduced allergy symptoms during this time. In addition, the selection of the course should be done wisely. Anyone allergic to grass pollen, should dodge on a route without blooming fields. However, this sometimes makes it difficult, as some pollen could fly several hundred kilometers, according to Mollenhauer.

The doctor also advises runners to wear headgear so the pollen will not get caught in the hair and be taken home involuntarily. Against burning eyes help a pair of sunglasses with side protection.

Naturopathy helps with pollen allergy
Anyone who suffers from severe hay fever can achieve a significant improvement through a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements in combination with natural remedies. Many naturopaths recommend, among other things, a colon cleansing, with which not only the intestinal flora can be brought into balance but also the body's immune system is strengthened. The self-blood therapy also aims to strengthen the body's immune response. In this case, the patient's blood is taken, which is either reinjected unchanged or admixed with homeopathic remedies. In this way, the immune system is simulated a foreign stimulus. In addition, acupuncture, relaxation exercises and homeopathy for hay fever can be applied.

If these natural and gentle processes provide no relief, a so-called hypo- or desensitization can be carried out. In the process, the person concerned regularly receives an initially very small and gradually increasing amount of the allergenic substances as an injection over a long period of time, as a result of which the stimulus threshold for an allergic reaction is slowly increased. The desensitization also promises a significant improvement in other allergic diseases and should prevent the formation of other allergies and allergic asthma.

Last but not least, medicines can also be used. The anti-histamines and cortisone preparations - the latter should only be used for very severe complaints - but often have unpleasant side effects and are Mollenhauer according to some on the doping list.

Tips against hay fever for the home
Anyone who suffers from a pollen allergy can also take some measures at home to keep the pollen load as low as possible. As a general rule: keep windows closed. Ventilation should only take place during periods of low pollen concentration, early in the morning or after a rain shower. In addition, it is advisable to do without flowering green plants in the apartment. Allergy sufferers should wash their hair in the evening to avoid putting the pollen they have caught in their bed. This ensures a more relaxed night's sleep. Even the clothes that were worn during the day may contain pollen. It should not be removed and stored in the bedroom. In the car, the regular statement and replacement of the pollen filter can contribute to the reduction of allergy symptoms. The windows ideally remain closed to prevent pollen from entering the vehicle. Travelers advise the expert to go into the mountains, as the pollen load in height is much lower. (Ag)