Hay fever patients can prepare for itchy eyes and snot noses in the coming days. The temperature goes up sharply, which increases the chance of pollen in the air. The mild winters and the early spring weather have been causing pollen -bearing species to flourish earlier, especially in the south of the country. Exotic plants that occur in more and more gardens can also cause complaints in hay fever patients. “A wave of sniffer people through the country.”
“Due to the high temperatures of about fifteen to seventeen degrees, the Hazelaren and Elzen will already release pollen in the coming days,” says biologist Maurice Martens, who on behalf of Flora of the Netherlands The Pollenjournaal keeps track of.
The kittens, a kind of bunch of pollen, are already hanging on the hazel bushes and alder trees. Due to climate change, biologists have seen for years that trees and plants are starting to bloom earlier due to the mild winters and early spring, especially in the south.
“In the south, trees and plants flower earlier.”
“In the coming days, a wave of sniffer people will travel through the country,” says Martens. “In the south of the country, trees and plants bloom a little earlier, because it is a bit warmer here. In Groningen you often see that trees are in bloom two or three weeks later.”
The statement that the hay fever season started early is not entirely true, because there are different types of seasons. The Treebollen season starts around this time.
The hazel and alder in particular now ensure snot noses with hay fever patients. “Some hazels were even in bloom before Christmas. Those are the early bloomers who have already flowered again. They are actually just people,” laughs the biologist.
From half to the end of March the pollen of the birch can cause hay fever complaints. The grass pollen season starts in May, and hay fever patients can suffer from Kruidpollen around August and September.
Yet not only these species ensure snot noses, itchy eyes and itch cough. Exotic plants and trees that are planted in more and more back gardens can also cause complaints.
“Most complaints by olive trees.”
“In large parts of Italy, people have the most complaints through the pollen of olive trees. That is a pollen -bearing species that is being planted more and more often, just like the Ambrosshaplant from America,” says Hooik fever Mieke Koenders of the Elkerliek.
In the hospital in Helmond, experts keep up with a pollen with a pollen catcher on the roof. They also expect that the pollen catcher will be pretty full after this weekend, with the high temperatures and a light wind.
“The pollen need a little wind to spread,” says Koenders. The hay fever season partly runs together with the flu wave, which occurs during this period of the year.
Yet the distinction between flu, colds or hay fever is easy to make according to the hay fever expert. “Although the hay fever is called, you only have a fever if you have the flu. Sore throat fits more with a cold,” she explains.
“With hay fever you really suffer from a stuffy nose, a itch cough and stinging eyes. Patients can often make the distinction.”
You can do this
To combat hay fever, Mieke Koenders advises patients to start medication on time. “Antihistamines tablets that have an inhibiting effect often work within an hour and you do not have to take it not far in advance,” says the hay fever expert.
“Patients who are allergic to hazel and have a nasal spray for that with corticosteroid can already start. It takes a week before this spray suppresses the immune system.” Yet it depends on which allergy a patient has. “It is still a bit early to take medication if you are allergic to birch.”
There are also other ways to prevent hay fever. For example, wearing glasses helps to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. Spread Vaseline under your nose to prevent the pollen from flying in your nose.