Hay fever, an old acquaintance

As soon as pollen starts flying again and reaches the mucous membranes, the immune system of allergy sufferers sounds the alarm. Physicians also refer to this as hypersensitivity of the immune system to the proteins in the pollen. In some people, this can develop into allergic asthma (allergic rhinitis). The aggressiveness of the pollen varies from country to country and is very different depending on the season and geographical location.

Treatment methods

There are now various effective treatment methods for hay fever. The following will provide more information on three well-known and productive measures.

Corticosteroids

Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory agents) are the most commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis. They alleviate symptoms such as the itching typical of hay fever, sneezing, runny nose, or watery eyes. Some nasal sprays with corticosteroids are available over the counter in pharmacies, but stronger medications require a prescription. For lasting effects, the sprays should be used regularly. However, it may take up to two weeks for the medication to take full effect.

Antihistamines

Another remedy for hay fever is antihistamines, which can be used as a nasal spray or in tablet form and can also be used in addition to a corticosteroid nasal spray. Antihistamines are anti-allergic agents that block the body's own substance histamine. When an allergy sufferer comes into contact with allergens, the body normally releases histamines, which in turn leads to an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can prevent this by stopping the 'docking' of histamine to the histamine receptors, thus stopping the allergic reaction.

Desensitization

A third treatment option is desensitization: The goal here is to 'acclimate' the immune system to the allergenic substances – it is intended to be made less sensitive, so that the allergic reaction is less severe. This form of therapy is therefore also referred to as desensitization. The allergen extracts can be administered by injection or taken as tablets or drops. The downside to desensitization: It must be repeated regularly and takes a relatively long time to take effect.

Hay fever fact check

Pollen allergies have now become a real widespread disease. Regularly at the beginning of the year, but no later than spring, when many allergy sufferers start to experience symptoms, old and new rumors and half-truths about hay fever are circulated. In the process, alongside actual facts, assertions that are not true are repeatedly brought up. We have collected six hypotheses for you and will examine them in a fact-check.

1. The concentration of pollen varies between the countryside and the city.

True. In the countryside, one should ventilate in the evening since plants release their pollen in the morning and these rise to higher air layers during the day. The pollen usually reaches urban areas in the evening and settles there. That's why it's advisable to ventilate earlier in the day in the city.

2. Climate change is expanding the pollen load regionally and intensifying it further.

Correct. The rise in temperature leads to an increased spread of pollen. Global warming also results in more and entirely new plants growing in some regions where they were not indigenous before. Thus, climate change overall contributes to an additional and higher pollen load.

3. Hay fever is harmless and does not need to be treated.

Incorrect. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), about 50 percent of pollen allergy sufferers who do not seek treatment develop bronchial asthma. These individuals then experience symptoms not only during the pollen season but throughout the entire year.

4. The illness hay fever can disappear spontaneously.

Correct. People with allergic symptoms should always consult a doctor first (see point 3), yet it is possible for the severity of hay fever to diminish – up to a complete disappearance of the allergy. However, it has not yet been determined who may experience this and why.

5. No pollen flies in winter.

No longer true. Depending on the geographical region, the duration of the winter season and the climate have changed significantly in recent years. Climate change is to blame here as well. It leads to a longer pollen season that also starts increasingly earlier. Meanwhile, in some areas, the first hazelnut pollen is already flying around during Advent.

6. The allergy is hereditary.

Unfortunately, this is often true. If one parent suffers from hay fever, there's about a 25 percent chance that their child will also be affected. If both the mother and father have hay fever, this risk for the child increases to up to 60 percent.

1. Those who have the time and financial means should spend their annual vacation at a destination preferably above 2,000 meters altitude or in coastal areas, as these regions generally have low pollen levels. Southern European cities, such as Athens, Barcelona, or Valencia are ideal for a city trip. For those who do not want to give up sunbathing, the Balearic Islands, East Frisian Islands, or the Portuguese Atlantic coast with its soothing sea breeze are good options. The mountains and nature are calling. Those who prefer this as a travel destination should plan their vacation in the Alps or the Pyrenees.

2. Worn street clothes should not be left in the bedroom, and in general, try to keep the windows closed to maintain a pollen-free living space as much as possible.

3. One should wash their hair before going to bed.

4. For all drivers, it's important to consider pollen protection not only within your own four walls but also in your vehicle: Those who regularly clean their pollen filter and air conditioning evaporator in the car and replace them when necessary are doing a great favor for their health.