Pollen calendar: keep track of allergen season and allergy risks

What is the current pollen calendar and what is blooming right now?

The pollen calendar will help you to get to grips with the pollen situation during the year. It lists the most common and largest pollen allergens for our area.

You don't have to remember what's blooming when. You can find it quickly and conveniently in our list.

Knowing the current allergens in the air will help you prepare for your plans during the day.

Are you an allergy sufferer, do you suffer from hay fever? Do you have prescription medication? Do you have enough for the upcoming season?

The pollen forecast is especially important for people with hay fever and pollen allergies.

Hay fever = pollinosis = seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Allergy describes an overreaction of the body to a substance (allergen). Such a substance does not cause any reaction in a healthy person.

Allergies to various substances are known. The most well-known include dust, dust mites, animal hair, food, medicines and plant pollen.

An allergy to pollen is an exaggerated reaction to its presence in the air. At different times of the year there are different amounts in the air.

In this case, the allergic reaction affects the mucous membrane of the nose. The manifestation is the familiar repetitive sneezing, increased nasal discharge and swelling. Nasal congestion, olfactory disturbances and irritating coughing occur.

Nosebleeds may occur.

Local complaints include redness and irritation of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, itching of the nose, mouth or ears.

General (systemic) manifestations such as fatigue, headache, joint pain, indigestion are also associated.

Shortness of breath is common. Dyspnoea must be assumed in asthmatics. They should prepare for the pollen season.

People suffering from chronic conjunctivitis, sinusitis, otitis media, nasal polyps or atopic eczema also have a worsened course and manifestations of long-term illness.

Allergy sufferers, do not forget about cross-allergic reactions. During the allergic period, consult your immunologist about which foods to avoid.

The main season of increased concentration and occurrence of airborne pollen allergens is during spring and summer.

Higher levels of airborne pollens are to be expected during sunny and windy weather. During the day, they are especially prevalent at lunchtime and in the afternoon.

In contrast, pollen concentrations are lower in places with water bodies and after rain. However, mould concentrations may increase.

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In November and December, allergy sufferers should look out for fungal spores, moulds and mites.

What helps?

These precautions will reduce the impact:

• Keep an eye on the pollen calendar and the weather forecast.
• take allergy medication as prescribed by your doctor, prepare your medication, check expiry dates and quantities
• shower every night, wash your hair more often, use creams
• wipe off dust more often with a damp cloth
• Increase the frequency of bed linen changes
• washing used clothes is also important
• don't dry your textiles outside, dry them inside - a tumble dryer will help
• clean your used shoes
• ventilate at night when the concentration of allergens in the air is lower
• use an air purifier
• Avoid moving outdoors during times of increased pollen concentration in the air, or use a face shield or respirator (FFP2 or more is recommended)
• go for walks in the early morning or evening (also during and shortly after rain)
• avoid environments with elevated levels of topical allergens
• wear sunglasses
• use the air conditioning in the car - sensibly, especially during the summer when the temperature difference is too great
• change the pollen filter in your car more often

Go to our articles for more information:

• Allergies: what are they, how do they occur and what are the symptoms? Types of allergies and allergens
• Hay fever: What is seasonal allergic rhinitis and what are its symptoms?
• Pollen season strikes: Pollen allergy, symptoms, treatment?
• Do you suffer from hay fever or allergic rhinitis?