Preventing pollen allergies in summer
Sun, vacation, time off - as many benefits as summer brings, it heralds the start of allergy season for many people who are allergic to pollen from certain trees, plants or grass. Typical symptoms of allergy sufferers include a runny nose, watery eyes and never-ending sneezing fits. Read the following article to find out what measures can alleviate the symptoms of a pollen allergy.
Triggers of hay fever in summer
Summer is finally here - time to enjoy the warm days outdoors! But for allergy sufferers in particular, the warm months don't just bring nice weather, but above all a runny nose caused by pollen. The following grasses, trees and plants have a high pollen count in the summer months:
- Grass pollen
- Lime/pine/oak
- Mugwort/ambrosia
- Stinging nettle
- Cereals: rye/oats/wheat
- Grape weed
Keep an eye on the pollen count
To make it through the summer despite hay fever etc., it is worth taking a look at the latest pollen count forecasts. There are plenty of information services on the internet for predicting pollen counts. Pollen allergy sufferers can find out about the current pollen count at wetter.orf.at or special pollen reporting services such as www.polleninformation.at, for example, so that they can better plan their leisure activities and time spent outdoors.
Wash your hair in the evening
As countless pollen accumulates on your head and in your hair throughout the day, it is advisable to wash or brush your hair thoroughly before going to bed. This can prevent the symptoms from occurring at night and affecting your sleep patterns.
Ventilate when the pollen count is low
To prevent the spread of pollen within your own four walls, you should only ventilate when the pollen count is low. If you have a severe allergic reaction, it is better to keep the windows closed during periods of high pollen count. It is also advisable to air out your home after a rain shower, as the rain cleans the air of pollen.
Inhalation, eye drops & nasal rinses
Common symptoms are watery eyes and a runny or blocked nose. To alleviate the symptoms, hay fever allergy sufferers can resort to sprays or prescribed medication. However, as nasal sprays should not be used over a long period of time, regular nasal rinses and inhalation are suitable alternatives to cleanse and moisturize the mucous membranes. Eye drops can also soothe the itching and tearing of irritated eyes.
Further measures in the household:
- Regular vacuum cleaning
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and textiles
- Wipe surfaces and floors with a damp cloth
- Change bed linen regularly
- Use an air purifier or air filter
No improvement in sight? See a doctor!
If the symptoms are not alleviated by the measures and medication, you have taken or if your pollen allergy worsens, you should always consult a doctor. The above tips cannot prevent persistent symptoms, but they can provide relief so that you can enjoy the summer to the full. On APO24 you will find the opening hours and on-call services of Austrian pharmacies in your area.
Your APO24 team