Tips for pollen allergy sufferers

Spring- the awakening of Nature. For some, it is a fascinating spectacle, but for others it can be a complete nightmare. The start of the pollen season brings hay fever misery for one in ten Central Europeans. The rates are increasing, but this need not be so! A few tips can bring relief to for pollen allergy sufferers during the critical period, making life worth living again.

During the critical period, pollen allergy sufferers will instinctively shut themselves in a more or less sealed room to protect themselves as far as possible against the pollen. That is very sensible. The first priority for every pollen allergy is to avoid contact with the causes. This is easier said than done, because pollen can be carried almost everywhere by the wind and draughts. But allergy sufferers should not give up. Any reduction in the amount of contact with pollen will lead to a reduction in the severity of the allergic reaction. This in turn leads to noticeable improvement in the quality of life.

Let people come to you
During the critical period, spend more time at home or in the office, and less time travelling around. This is not always practical but often it is merely a question of organization. During this period, instead of going out yourself invite friends to your house. For your next business meeting, don't get into your car - rather you should invite your business colleague into your office or the company conference room.

Let others do the driving
In acute periods, driving poses problems for pollen allergy sufferers because of the obvious effects of sneezing attacks and watery eyes. So whenever possible, sit in the passenger seat. If you have to drive, make sure that the windows are closed. Also, make sure that there is a pollen filter included in the ventilation/air-conditioning system. Contact your car manufacturer for details. If a pollen filter is not included as standard, it is worthwhile to have one fitted.

Every cloud has a silver lining
Pollen allergy sufferers breathe a sigh of relief whenever it rains. Magic: after a sharp shower, the air is practically pollen-free. This is an ideal time to air your room or to go for a walk. But be careful. Shortly after the rain starts, pollen levels rise temporarily, as pollen is washed down from higher up in the atmosphere. It takes about half an hour of rain before the air at ground level is cleared of pollen.

The late bird catches the worm
The highest pollen count usually occurs in the morning. So airing should be done as late in the day as possible, preferably in the evening. However, depending on the weather or where you live, high pollen counts can also occur in the afternoon or evening.

Clear the air!
Air purifiers with the latest filter technologies ensure that the air at home and in the office contains the lowest possible levels of pollen. Modern systems can make a decisive contribution to the relief of hay fever-symptoms.

Make the bedroom a "clean zone"
We spend around a third of our life in the bedroom. So it is even more important that we make this a pollen-free zone. Because pollen sticks to clothes, you should undress outside the bedroom. It is also useful to take a shower and either wash or thoroughly brush your hair before going to bed.