Friday, January 26, 2024, 11:18 a.m
The pollen count has already begun in some regions. If you suspect a pollen allergy, you should definitely seek medical advice. If you already have hay fever, the priority must be to treat the symptoms well.
Hazel and alder pollen has already started
At the end of December/beginning of January there were the first reports of hazel catkins opening and pollen beginning to fall. Alder pollen has also been released in some places. The German Pollen Information Service Foundation provided information on this and also confirmed the beginning of purple alder flowering. The purple alder is now more often planted as a climate-friendly tree, but blooms much earlier than our native alders. There is also the Turkish hazel, whose hazel pollen can also be on the move in January.
At the beginning of the year, the previously persistent mild temperatures caused the first pollen count to begin in the warmer regions in the west and southwest. Due to all the rain, pollen levels remained very low at first. After this phase, the pollen count stagnated due to the cold period that began later in the month. This phase is now over and the pollen count can now increase again due to the rising temperatures and also start in other regions.
Medical help is important
For allergy sufferers, especially those who react to hazel and alder pollen, it is important to be well prepared now. The first inquiries are already reaching the DAAB.
If you have an allergy to early bloomers, it is advisable to take good countermeasures. Medical advice and treatment is highly recommended. If you suspect hay fever and typical symptoms such as red eyes, watery eyes, itching, sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, inflammation of the eye conjunctiva and/or nasal mucous membranes, you should definitely seek clarification from your family doctor or an ENT practice with allergology experience to ensure the best possible treatment.
The allergic symptoms can be localized differently for each hay fever patient and can also vary in severity.
First aid for pollen allergy
Quickly acting medications such as anti-allergic antihistamines are available for treatment. In addition, anti-inflammatory cortisone agents or combinations of antihistamines and cortisone agents in the form of nasal sprays may also be necessary. Over-the-counter low-dose cortisone nasal sprays are only approved “for the symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults”. The initial diagnosis must have been made by a doctor and the maximum permitted daily amounts must also be adhered to. If the over-the-counter cortisone nasal sprays are not sufficient or are not tolerated, the doctor can resort to other prescription preparations.
For other areas of application, such as year-round or long-lasting allergic symptoms, prescription cortisone nasal sprays can still be prescribed if they are approved for this area of application. The over-the-counter variants are not approved for children and adolescents; nasal sprays containing cortisone must always be prescribed.
Be careful with anti-cold sprays
If necessary, so-called decongestant nasal sprays should only be used for a maximum of 5-7 days at a time, as the active ingredients they contain can damage the nasal mucosa in the long term
Think long term
If necessary, the long-term treatment option of hyposensitization should also be considered. For suitable patients, it ensures good relief of symptoms and a reduction in medication and is also intended to reduce the risk of asthma.
What if it’s asthma?
If a persistent cough, chest tightness or even shortness of breath occurs, it should be checked whether the lower respiratory tract is affected, as allergies can also trigger allergic asthma. If there is any suspicion, a medical examination using a lung function measurement can be informative.
Better reduce pollen contact
There are also some tried and tested tips to avoid pollen as much as possible: For example, wearing a mouth and nose mask, tightly fitting sunglasses and headgear outdoors. Washing your hair regularly in the evening can also further reduce pollen contact. Paying attention to current pollen forecasts can also help you better assess periods of high stress.
Use the DAAB advice hotline for all questions about allergies, asthma, etc.
Phone: 0 21 66 – 647 88 – 88
Order the pollen allergy and asthma guide free of charge at:
German Allergy and Asthma Association eV
At Eikesmühle 15-19, 41238 Mönchengladbach
Telephone: 0 21 66 – 647 88 – 20 / Fax – 78
Email: [email protected]
About the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB)
The German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) is the oldest (since 1897) and largest patient and consumer protection association for children and adults with allergies, asthma, urticaria and neurodermatitis. Our commitment also includes individual advice and independent, unbureaucratic support for members and those seeking advice. We have extensive information and tips available on nutrition topics as well as many other allergy, respiratory and skin topics. You can also find useful information on the DAAB website (www.daab.de).