Darrick Robles Spring is in the air – also in the form of millions of tiny grains that make life difficult for allergy sufferers. Pollen allergies occur in Germany in 14.8% of adults. When they come into contact with pollen, they get hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes. Asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath can also occur. Since many plants bloom longer and longer, pollen allergy sufferers have fewer and fewer breathers.
Why is my body allergic?
With an allergy , the immune system reacts to pollen, cat hair and other substances in the environment that are actually harmless. However, the exact cause of allergies has not yet been fully researched. The following risk factors, among others, can play a role in the development of allergies:
- Genetic predisposition: In the case of what is known as atopy, the body tends to form antibodies when it comes into contact with certain substances in the environment. The risk of developing an allergy as a child of an allergic parent is at least 20%.
- Hygienic conditions: Studies have shown that children who grow up on a farm develop hay fever or other allergies much less frequently than other children. They come into contact with bacteria, fungi and worms at an early age, which seems to have a positive effect on the development of the child’s immune system . In addition, there is the observation that allergies have increased, especially among city children.
- Climate change: Due to rising temperatures, allergenic plants start to flower earlier. Flowering times are lengthening, so allergy sufferers have even less time to breathe. In addition, non-native plants such as ragweed can spread in Germany and trigger new allergies. The increasing ozone and particulate matter pollution could also play a role.
Which pollen is in the air and when?
Pollen is fine grains of pollen that are carried by the wind. On average, a pollen grain is just 60 micrometers (0.06 millimeters) in size and is therefore hardly visible to the human eye. At the flowering time, up to 1,000 pollen can fly around per cubic meter of air. 20 pollen per cubic meter can be enough to trigger hay fever.
The following pollen are on the move in Germany:
- February to April: hazel and alder
- March to May: birch
- May to July: grasses and cereals (rye)
- May to September: herbs (mugwort, stinging nettle, buckhorn)
- July to September: Ambrosia (ragweed)
Where and when is the pollen count lowest?
If you have hay fever, you should avoid grain fields and flowering meadows in particular during the pollen season. In rural areas, pollen levels are at their lowest in the evenings, so walking and airing are safest in the evenings.
However, even in the big city you are not 100% safe. Here it is mainly the pollen from trees that causes a stuffy nose and red eyes. In the city, the pollen count is lowest in the morning, so it is better to air the room in the morning. In general, it is better to ventilate briefly than leave the window open for hours. This means that less pollen gets into the apartment.
There are a few exceptions that apply to town and country : mugwort pollen is more likely to be in the morning, grass pollen in the evening and birch pollen even all day from 8 a.m. to midnight. In general, there is very little pollen when it rains.
Am I protected against hay fever with an FFP2 mask?
The pollen from grasses and trees has a larger diameter than the aerosols that we give off when we speak and breathe. Mouth and nose masks have been proven to slow down droplets and aerosols – with FFP2 masks keeping out more particles than everyday masks made of fabric. This suggests that they can also protect against pollen. A study of medical workers showed that participants had fewer allergy symptoms when they wore a medical mask.
With a mask you can protect your nasal mucosa and airways – and keep your hay fever symptoms low. However, you could still get irritated eyes from flying pollen. If you want to be even better protected, you should also wear special allergy goggles or sunglasses. Nowadays no one will look at you askance when you are out and about with a mask and glasses.
How do I distinguish hay fever from Covid-19?
Sneezing, runny nose , sore throat, coughing , fatigue: Symptoms that are very similar to those of a corona infection can occur with a pollen allergy . Allergic asthma can also cause shortness of breath and chest tightness. So how do you distinguish hay fever from Covid-19?
A sneezing stimulus that occurs in waves is typical of hay fever. A strong urge to sneeze is not a typical symptom of people suffering from corona.
Fever is common with Covid-19. In people suffering from hay fever, it only occurs, if at all, as a slightly elevated temperature.
The symptoms of a pollen allergy go back to a specific trigger (such as a walk or after airing) and then become significantly weaker. With Covid-19, the symptoms appear gradually and intensify over hours to days.
What can I do to relieve allergy symptoms?
From the right shower time to the salt rinse: Here you will find tips on how to prevent hay fever and relieve itching and burning . Unfortunately, you cannot avoid pollen 100%. If hay fever has already caught you, decongestant nasal sprays, eye drops, or antihistamines can help. It is best if you cover yourself with it at the beginning of the pollen season. Our doctors are there for you via video to advise you and prescribe medication if necessary.
