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Pollen Flight Life-threatening risks in cross-reactions
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. Especially in pollen allergy so-called cross-allergies can be dangerous. Bavaria's Health Minister Huml advises those affected to an allergy test.
Hay fever should not be underestimated
Pollen, pet hair, various foods: "Over 20,000 different triggers of allergies are known today," writes the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) on its website.
Every third adult in Germany suffers from an allergy. Hay fever is the most common form of allergy. For those affected, cross-allergies can be very dangerous. (Image: djoronimo / fotolia.com) The most common form of allergy is hay fever, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as dripping nose, swollen and itchy eyes and shortness of breath.
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 not at all, warns Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml.
Pollen allergy can lead to asthma
"While the hazel and alder pollen allergy sufferers can slowly breathe easier, the pollen count of the birch is coming soon. Ash pollen is also currently flying, "the minister said in a statement.
"If you suffer from symptoms such as itchy eyes or dripping nose, you should definitely ask the doctor if it is a real allergy. Because an untreated pollen allergy can even lead to asthma, "says Huml.
In general, about 40 percent of untreated allergic individuals have chronic bronchial asthma after eight years, according to the statement.
No apples and cherries during pollen season
"It can also come to cross-allergies, such as birch pollen allergy sufferers who do not tolerate pome fruit. They should avoid apples and cherries during the pollen season, "explains Huml, who is a licensed medical doctor.
"If those affected take allergens in addition to the diet, this can lead to severe shock states that can be life-threatening. Only an allergy test can provide information here. "
It has been reported that up to 60 percent of food allergies in older children, adolescents and adults are associated with an inhalation allergy.
Avoid stress and alcohol
Medically necessary allergy tests offer, among other things, family doctors, internists and paediatricians. In case of specific suspicion of an allergic disease, the examination is a benefit of the statutory health insurance.
Huml added: "Factors such as an unhealthy diet, too little exercise and pollution can increase the risk of allergies."
The DAAB has other tips for sufferers with a cross-allergy: Since the allergic reactions can be increased by simultaneous consumption of alcohol, this should be avoided.
This also applies to stress, because: "Stressful situations and stress in everyday life can influence the allergic reactions," writes the DAAB on its website.
Proper preparation
In addition, the experts explain that in some cases the right preparation can help: "Individual fruits and vegetables become more compatible with peeling or heating. Try apple compote instead of raw apples or a cherry cake as an alternative to the fresh variant. "
And: "Especially with apples there are variety differences. Apple varieties like Altländer, Gloster and Hammerstein are well tolerated. "
The experts recommend that you consult an allergological nutritionist who looks at the patient for how to handle certain fruits or vegetables so he can tolerate it better.
Concerned persons should basically only give up as much as necessary, but enjoy as much as possible. Because a varied diet is important to stay healthy. (Ad)