Your nose itches, your eyes water: the first pollen is already in the air and can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory problems in sensitive people. People with hay fever or asthma are particularly affected.
Dr. Stephan Döring from the Health Promotion and Health Planning Department of the Ludwigsburg District Office explains: "The symptoms of an early bloomer allergy can hardly be distinguished from other pollen allergies. Typical and common symptoms of a pollen allergy are a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. It can sometimes be very difficult to distinguish it from a cold."
Many people are unsure whether they are suffering from a cold or a pollen allergy. "If the symptoms are almost identical, close observation of the circumstances can play a role here, i.e. if the symptoms occur in close connection with a reported pollen flight or if perhaps many people in the immediate vicinity have a cold. This can make it possible to make an initial diagnosis," says Dr. Döring. If the symptoms occur more frequently and are more pronounced, a clarification by a GP or allergist using special skin and possibly blood tests can provide clarity.
Enjoy spring despite the pollen: recommendations from the health authorities
Once the diagnosis of "pollen allergy" has been confirmed, there are various ways to alleviate the symptoms. "Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, medication that suppresses the inflammatory reaction in the body can be taken if necessary if the symptoms are pronounced; antihistamines in tablet form or as a nasal spray are most commonly used for this purpose. The current representatives of the substance classes are generally well tolerated and cause less fatigue than in the past. There is also the option of hyposensitization, which means that the body is gradually accustomed to the allergen so that the symptoms are significantly reduced," explains Dr Döring.
On days with particularly high pollen counts, the public health department recommends reducing outdoor activities and keeping windows closed. In addition, medication or hyposensitization can be prescribed if symptoms are severe. If necessary, those affected should adjust their medication in consultation with a doctor. After spending time outdoors, it may be advisable for allergy sufferers to change their clothes and wash their hair to avoid bringing pollen
into the bedroom. The living room can be kept low in pollen by using special pollen screens and cleaning regularly with a damp cloth.
Changing pollen flight times cause problems for allergy sufferers
You are not usually alone with your allergy - more and more people are suffering from pollen allergies. "According to the Federal Ministry of Health, climate change is leading to higher average temperatures, which means that the flowering period of many plants has been extended. This leads to a longer pollen season and increased pollen production," explains Dr. Döring.
The pollen flight times have also changed in recent years. "These have become longer in recent years, with flowering starting earlier, sometimes even in the winter months."
The public health department recommends that allergy sufferers inform themselves about the current pollen count. Relevant pollen count calendars and daily updated data can be accessed via various weather services and allergy apps.
