What helps against pollen allergy?

Pollen allergy is one of the most common allergies in Germany. Meanwhile, about every seventh person suffers from hay fever. In an allergy, the immune system overreacts to a protein of the pollen. When these allergens hit the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes, the body's defenses mistakenly mistake the actually harmless intruders for enemies and start to bring out all the guns. That is, the release of the messenger substance histamine is ramped up to fight the pollen.

This increased histamine release leads to the fact that everything is done at the nose and eyes to get rid of the pollen again. The result: frequent sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, which can also burn and swell due to the irritation.

The most common triggers of a pollen allergy include

• Birch pollen
• Alder pollen
• Hazel pollen
• Grass pollen
• Cereal pollen

In general, the symptoms of a pollen allergy are limited to the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. The discomfort occurs predominantly in the area of the nose, but scratchy throat is also not uncommon. A typical hay fever is manifested by:

• running nose
• congested nose
• frequent sneezing
• neck scratching
• throat pain
• cough irritation
• itching eyes
• burning eyes
• watery eyes
• reddened eyes

In principle, a pollen allergy is harmless. However, the symptoms should be treated absolutely to prevent allergic asthma. Because in some cases, the pollen allergy spreads from the upper to the lower airways. Once the bronchial tubes are affected, pollen can cause shortness of breath and asthma attacks. This complication is called a floor shift.

To prevent serious complications and generally keep the discomfort in check, there are several effective medications and remedies for pollen allergy:

• Nasal spray: In acute symptoms, it is urgent to block the effect with so-called antihistamines. Among the antihistamines, there are several active substances that help quickly and reliably against pollen allergy. One of these is azelastine, which is contained in Pollival® nasal spray. Within a few minutes, the symptoms subside and you can breathe freely again. To prepare for pollen allergy, you can rely on cromoglicic acid, for example, which is contained in Pollicrom® Nasal Spray. Preparations with cromoglicic acid intervene early in the allergy mechanism.
• Eye drops: Against watery and itchy eyes help in acute cases Pollival® eye drops with azelastine. Pollicrom® eye drops with cromoglicic acid can contribute to a gentle and lasting relief of discomfort in the eye.
• Tablets: Antihistamines are also available as tablets. But pay attention to the indication of side effects when choosing. Some preparations can make tired and restrict the fitness for traffic. In very severe hay fever, the doctor often prescribes anti-inflammatory cortisone preparations.
• Hyposensitization: If you are tired of suffering from pollen allergy every spring anew, you can think about hyposensitization together with your doctor. Over a period of about three years, the immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergen until it no longer triggers symptoms.

In addition to the drug treatment of pollen allergy, you can still follow these tips to reduce pollen exposure:

• A nasal rinse with salt water frees and soothes the airways.
• Moisturizing the eyes with appropriate eye drops (eg HYLO DUAL) strengthens the
• tear film and helps prevent eye contact with pollen.
• Shower in the evening and wash hair to eliminate pollen.
• Keep windows and doors closed during the day, even when driving.
• Ventilate only early in the morning or evening and on rainy days. In the city, the
• pollen concentration in the air is lower in the morning, while in the countryside it is lower in the evening.
• Damp mop floors and vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly.
• Do not spend an excessive amount of time outdoors during the acute pollen phase. 

How long a pollen allergy lasts depends entirely on the allergen. A look at the pollen calendar shows you when the pollen count starts and stops. Also when to expect the acute phase. If you are allergic to birch pollen, for example, the pollen season lasts from about the end of March to the beginning of June. Hazel and alder drive out particularly early and can already lead to first complaints in December and January.

Grass pollen has a quite long acute phase. In the worst case, the grass allergy then lasts from March to October. Here, effective remedies against pollen allergy are particularly helpful so that allergy sufferers can spend the summer months outdoors. The better prepared you are for pollen allergy, the less you have to suffer from the discomfort. Pollicrom® nasal spray and Pollicrom® eye drops, for example, are used preventively.