Now it starts again for many, the time of sneezing and watery eyes (symbol image) Photo: picture alliance/dpa/dpa-tmn
By Birgit Buerkner
Due to the unsettled weather, there is an on-off pollen count this year. It puts a strain on allergy sufferers and also lasts longer.
With the change from uncomfortably cool to spring-like mild phases, the concentration of pollen in the air fluctuates. “It’s an up and down,” says Charité allergist Prof. Karl-Christian Bergmann, Director of the European Center for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF).
“Cold days stop the release of pollen, which is then significantly stronger on sunny days. Those affected are annoyed.” The interruptions stretch the season backwards.
Currently, exposure to ash pollen has peaked and will subside in about ten days.
People who are hypersensitive to birch pollen need to be strong for this. As soon as it gets warmer, the flight will take effect. In addition, there is the dust of the beech and the oak. With some delay also that of the grasses.
Around 500,000 Berliners suffer from a pollen allergy. Typical symptoms are reddened and watery eyes, a blocked or alternatively an itchy nose and a runny nose. A dry cough can be a first sign of allergic asthma. “Every third person with hay fever is at risk of developing it,” says Bergmann.
In this case, the expert recommends a visit to the doctor who will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. In general, antihistamines that do not make you tired and a light cortisone nasal spray from the pharmacy help pollen allergy sufferers.