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Pollen season

When the pollen is in the air

Spring is here again. It's a wonderful time. Especially because we just got over the flu season. But the next threat is already on the horizon: Hay fever! Our information and practical tips will help you relax through the pollen season.
When the pollen is in the air

STOBAG helps turn the common hay fever into a pleasant spring fever

For many people, the warmer temperatures after the long winter are a reason to rejoice – if it weren't for hay fever. According to the Swiss Allergy Centre, every fifth person in Switzerland is affected by hay fever.

Frequent sneezing, teary eyes, a runny or blocked nose – these symptoms are all too familiar to anyone who suffers from pollen allergies. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction include coughing, breathing difficulties, sleep disorders, headaches, skin or gastrointestinal problems. To prevent hay fever from developing into allergic asthma in the long term, allergies should be treated by allergy specialists. Skin tests are a simple way to find out which pollen triggers symptoms and what the appropriate medical measures are. The good news is that with a few practical tips, teary eyes and other allergic reactions can be alleviated.

We explain the background of pollen allergy and reveal how you too can better enjoy the spring outdoors.

Hay fever: Allergic reaction to grasses & co.

Hay fever is triggered by pollen, i.e. the pollen of trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and cereals. The fertilising cells of the plants empty their cell contents when they come into contact with the human mucous membrane and thus trigger an allergic reaction, i.e. hay fever.

In the German-speaking region, the cause of most allergies is the pollen of hazel, alder, birch, rye and ragweed – mugwort pollen, willow and ash also cause hypersensitivity. Naturally, there are many other types of pollen that can cause allergic rhinitis. The Swiss Allergy Centre pro-vides a good overview of allergenic plants.

Äste mit Pollen in Sonnenlicht

What works to relieve pollen allergy & hay fever?

For many people suffering from hay fever, anti-allergic substances available at pharmacies, so-called antihistamines, are a good remedy against the bothersome symptoms. They prevent the release of the messenger substance histamine, which causes the typical reactions of a pollen allergy. However, the disadvantage of many of these medicines is that they make you tired.

Immunisation is also an interesting therapeutic approach. This form of treatment is called hypo- or desensitisation. In this way, the doctors target the cause of the hay fever, i.e. the allergy trigger. The goal: Similar to a vaccination against pathogens, the body gets used to the substance it cannot tolerate and learns to deal with it. Desensitisation is suitable for adults and children from school age.

Apothekerin in Apotheke greift ins Regal

Weathermen have fewer hay fever symptoms

Specialists generally recommend that people with pollen allergies avoid the triggering substances in everyday life. This is the easiest way to circumvent the immune system's reaction. But of course this is not so easy, because allergenic plant species can vary greatly in their pollen season from year to year. Hazel and alder, for example, sometimes flower as early as January, but often not until March. In contrast, birch sets in around mid-March to mid-April. People affected by multiple allergenic plant species can suffer for a long time, because trees, herbs, grasses and co. blossom for many months.

But it is a fact that plant development and flowering is closely linked to the temperature changes of the preceding months. Allergy information services exist in every country. They provide information about pollen intensity and can thus predict when more severe symptoms and discomfort can be expected. Weather services such as Meteo Swiss also provide daily pollen forecasts. So if you want to avoid sneezing, coughing and eye irritation, take a quick look at a pollen guide before planning your next summer picnic.

VENTOSOL will get you through the pollen season feeling better.

We have been exploring ideas to magically transform your terrace into an outdoor living room. A feel-good atmosphere is guaranteed.
Villa mit Vorplatz und Grossen Sonnenstorren an Fensterfront

Allergy life hacks: How to cope with high pollen levels during the day.

Before going to sleep

Take a quick shower and wash your hair before going to bed. This way you don't bring pollen into the bedroom and breathe it in all night.

Laundry & clothing

Do not dry your laundry outdoors. This will help you avoid wearing pollenladen clothing or sleeping in pollen-laden bedding. Do not change worn clothes in the bedroom. This way, any pollen clinging to your clothes is not dispersed.

Airing

If you live in the countryside, ventilate more in the afternoon or evening, as the pollen concentration in the air tends to be high in the morning. Conversely, ventilating in the morning is recommended in the city.

Household chores

Special vacuum cleaner filters ensure that as little dust as possible is swirled around during vacuuming. There are even vacuum cleaners designed for people with allergies. When wiping, it is best to use cloths that attract and hold pollen electrostatically.

Plants

Remove hay fever triggers from your living environment if possible. You may also be able to agree with landlords and neighbours to remove such plants. When planting a garden, it is advisable to determine in advance exactly which plants cause your allergy.

Air purification

Air purifiers with modern filter technology can help reduce pollen concentrations in the air at home or in the office. Many cars today also have pollen filters or can be retrofitted with them. Important: Do not replace filters yourself, instead have someone without allergies do it for you.

Prepare your terrace for spring too.

We have been exploring ideas to magically transform your terrace into an outdoor living room. A feel-good atmosphere is guaranteed.