Pollen allergy Next big flowering phase starts

So you start well prepared in the pollen season

The next major flowering phase of the pollen season is imminent, reports the Pollen Alert Service of MedUni Vienna. Grass pollen allergy (rhinitis) is the most common pollen allergy. According to MedUni Vienna, around 400 million people worldwide suffer from some form of rhinitis. Typical symptoms include runny nose, cough and severe breathing problems. Since many types of grass are involved in this type of allergy, the pollen season may take up to three months, depending on the area.

The Pollenwarndienst reports that the flowering readiness of the first grasses with high relevance for grass pollen allergy sufferers is imminent. These include the meadow bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and the ball grass (Dactylis). In locations where the plants have good growth conditions, flowering may have already begun. The first burdens are already foreseeable in the case of very sensitive allergic patients, warns Katharina Bastl, expert of the Pollen Alert Service of the MedUni Vienna.

Grass pollen can cause severe symptoms

Common symptoms that grass pollen can cause in people with allergies include hay fever and even asthma. But the experts at MedUni Vienna warn: "The visible symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg." The entire body could even react with changes in the blood count.

Fatigue and poor performance

"This explains the strong fatigue and poor performance of those affected," reports Erika Jensen-Jarolim of the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research of MedUni Vienna in a press release. In particular, in sports activities could lead to an increase in symptoms, which may include an asthma attack.

Pets also suffer

"By the way, our pets, especially dogs and horses, can also suffer from grass pollen allergies," says the allergist.

Specialists can help

Those affected do not have to accept the effects of the allergy. According to the Pollen Warning Service, allergic symptoms can be alleviated or even prevented. An allergologically trained specialist can help to get ready for the upcoming grass pollen season.

With diary and app against the pollen

The Austrian Pollen Alert Service of the MedUni Vienna offers help for allergy sufferers. An allergy risk questionnaire, the pollen diary and the pollen app should help those affected to find the pollen that is relevant to them.

It is not too late to start with immunotherapy

"It could still be an allergen immunotherapy against grass pollen be considered, as it is now passed to vaccinate just before until the season," explains Jensen-Jarolim. However, optimal success will only take place after some time. "In principle, it is better to plan the immunotherapy in autumn, then the pollen season of the following year will be much easier with 90 percent probability," said the expert.

Tips for everyday life

The allergist reports how a few simple non-drug treatments can alleviate the symptoms. This includes:

• Ventilate the bedroom indirectly over other rooms.
• Wash hair thoroughly before going to bed.
• Attach pollen grid to the windows.
• Install a pollen filter in the car.
• A consistent wearing of pollen filters in the nose.

Escape impossible

"An escape from the grass pollen is practically impossible, so you should go well prepared for the season," summed up the Pollenwarndienst. In addition to the expert tips, home remedies for hay fever have proven to be effective in some people with allergies. (Vb)