Pollen allergy Hay fever can be fatal if left untreated

Hay fever can be dangerous: never underestimate pollen allergy

About 13 million people in Germany suffer from a pollen allergy. Health experts warn against underestimating hay fever. If the allergy is not treated consistently, it may, among other things, develop chronic asthma. Some tips can help those affected to prevent or relieve symptoms.

The most common form of allergy in this country

Almost a third of German adults and around one in four children suffers from an allergy. According to health experts, hay fever is the most common type of allergy. According to the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), about 16 percent of the population - about 13 million people - have a pollen allergy nationwide. In some cases, simple home remedies for hay fever are enough to relieve symptoms. But sometimes a medical treatment is needed. Underestimate a pollen allergy but by no means, experts warn.

Hay fever is the most common type of allergy in Germany. If pollen allergy is not treated in time, chronic asthma can develop. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

Many allergic persons suffer in spring

Spring is often an intense time of suffering for people with hay fever.

In addition to a constantly clogged or running nose and sneezing attacks, they usually have to deal with itchy eyes, chronic fatigue and sleep disorders.

"The allergic rhinitis is triggered by the pollen of trees, shrubs, grasses, cereals and herbs," explains the DAAB.

"As soon as the pollen comes into contact with the mucous membranes", the affected people get the respective symptoms.

Avoid pollen best

The safest method of treating hay fever is to avoid pollen. With the help of special apps and websites, one can see when the pollen count is strongest and in part can also "predict" their individual allergic risk.

It is also recommended to air in the morning between six and eight o'clock, when the pollen count is the lowest.

In strong winds should be dispensed with the airing. So you do not bring the pollen-tainted clothes into the bedroom, you should take them off in the bathroom.

Getting into a shower before going to bed; In particular, the hair should be washed because there pollen may have settled.

Wet towels hung in the room can help as pollen sticks to them. In case of rain, allergy sufferers are advised to use this time for a walk.

Treatment at different levels

For many, a specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) helps, in which the immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergenic substance over a longer period of time by being regularly administered to the person concerned in a gradually increasing dose.

"This therapy is referred to by the World Health Organization as an" allergy vaccine "," says the foundation German Pollen Information Service.

"It can greatly relieve the symptoms of pollen allergy because it combats the cause, not the symptoms. However, the chances of success of this treatment method are not uniform for the different allergies, "explain the experts.

Because of possible side effects that can bring this treatment method, such as allergic reactions or circulatory problems, some allergy-but prefer to natural therapies such as the self-blood therapy, acupuncture or Bach flower therapy.

In exceptional cases, a drug treatment is recommended, which is used to alleviate and prevent the symptoms of hay fever and for the treatment of inflammatory mucosal swelling.

Vaccine in prospect

In the future, it could possibly be a vaccine against pollen allergy. Only recently did researchers from Austria successfully test a vaccine against hay fever.

The scientists have demonstrated "that the synthetically produced BM32 vaccine with four injections in the first year and a refresher in the second year of treatment relieves the symptoms of those affected by at least 25 percent," says a statement of MedUni Vienna.

This is an important step in the development of effective hay fever therapy.

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 receive chronic bronchial asthma after eight years - if the allergy is not treated by a doctor, explains Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml in a statement.

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.

"For the detection of a pollen allergy skin tests are carried out in which pollen extracts are applied to the skin or injected under the skin," said the DAAB.

"In addition, a blood test can be carried out in which specific IgE antibodies to the respective pollen can be detected." (Ad)