The seasons are changing, and while many long for the warmer months to begin, for some this change brings not only joy but also a number of challenges. Allergy season is in full swing, and for people prone to seasonal allergies, this often means a time of discomfort and impaired quality of life. Hay fever, one of the most common forms of seasonal allergies, plays a central role in this. But what exactly are seasonal allergies and hay fever? And more importantly, how can you get through the allergy season in the best possible way without it affecting your daily activities too much? In this article, we explain what seasonal allergies are, explain what happens in the body and give you practical tips and tricks to help you cope better with the allergy season.
What is a seasonal allergy?
Seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are immunological reactions to allergens, which are present in the air at certain times of the year. These allergens are usually particles of pollen released by trees, grasses and weeds when they are in bloom. For people without allergies, these pollens are harmless. But for those whose immune systems are sensitive to these particles, exposure to pollen can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severely debilitating.
Differences to other types of allergies
In contrast to year-round allergies, which are triggered by permanent allergens such as house dust mites, moulds or animal dander, seasonal allergies are limited in time. They typically occur in spring, summer or early autumn, depending on when the plants you are allergic to are in bloom. This means that the symptoms usually improve as soon as the concentration of pollen in the air decreases.
Why do people react to pollen?
The immune system’s overreaction to pollen particles is at the heart of what happens in the body during a seasonal allergy. The immune system mistakenly recognises pollen as a harmful invader and sets off a chain of reactions to fight it. These reactions lead to the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, which triggers the typical symptoms of an allergy such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Now that we understand what seasonal allergies are and how they differ from other types of allergies, let’s look at the specific case of hay fever.
Hay fever: The uninvited guest
Hay fever, scientifically known as allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common types of seasonal allergies. This reaction is primarily triggered by the inhalation of pollen released into the air by various plants during their flowering periods. For sufferers, hay fever is often more than just an annoyance; it can seriously affect quality of life, disrupt sleep and limit daily performance.
Hay fever and climate change
Climate change is also extending the pollen season, which means that the allergy season is also longer than before. Various types of pollen, such as hazel and alder, can fly through the air as early as January. The last pollen is not on the move until autumn. The distribution areas also change, as the strong winds cause pollen to fly faster and further, which favours the spread of foreign species such as ragweed artemisiifolia.
What exactly is hay fever?
Hay fever occurs when the immune system reacts hypersensitively to certain pollens. This hypersensitivity causes the body to release chemicals that cause inflammatory reactions in the nose, eyes and throat. The symptoms can resemble a cold, including sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and fatigue. Unlike a cold, which is caused by viruses and subsides after a few days, allergy symptoms can last as long as the person is exposed to the allergens.
Symptoms and causes
The typical symptoms of hay fever include:
- Runny or blocked nose,
- constant sneezing,
- itchy eyes, nose, mouth or skin,
- watery eyes,
- headaches and fatigue.
These symptoms are triggered by a variety of pollens, including tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in summer and weed pollen in late autumn. The intensity of the symptoms can vary from day to day, depending on the concentration of pollen in the air.
How to minimise hay fever
Although there is no cure for hay fever, there are several strategies to minimise symptoms and improve quality of life. These range from preventative measures, such as avoiding exposure to pollen, to medical treatments. In the next section, we will go into detail about the different strategies that can help you get through the allergy season better.
What happens in the body?
If you suffer from hay fever, even contact with tiny pollen particles will trigger an exaggerated defence reaction from your immune system. But what exactly happens in your body to trigger such a strong reaction?
Immune response explained
It all starts when your body comes into contact with a particular pollen for the first time and mistakenly categorises it as harmful. In response, the immune system forms antibodies specifically against this pollen so that it can recognise and fight it more quickly in the event of future contact. This process is called sensitisation.
The next time they come into contact with the pollen, these antibodies bind to the pollen particles and signal the immune cells to release chemicals such as histamine. Histamine promotes inflammation and leads to typical allergy symptoms such as swelling, redness, itching and increased mucus production.
Why do some people have allergic reactions?
Why some people develop an allergy to pollen and others do not is not yet fully understood. Researchers suspect that a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences play a role. People with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop allergies themselves. In addition, certain environmental conditions, such as high pollen exposure or air pollution, can increase the likelihood of sensitisation.
Tips for everyday life
With a few adjustments and precautions, you can minimise your exposure to pollen and alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
Avoidance strategies outdoors
- Check the pollen count calendar: Find out about the pollen count times in your region and plan outdoor activities accordingly. On days with high pollen counts, you should stay indoors if possible.
- Keep windows closed: To prevent pollen from entering the house, you should keep the windows closed on days with high pollen counts, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon when pollen concentrations are at their highest.
- Take a shower after being outdoors: Pollen can become trapped in hair and on clothing. A quick shower after coming home can help to remove these allergens.
Adaptations in the living area
- Air purifier: An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help to reduce the amount of pollen in the indoor air.
- Change bed linen and curtains regularly: This can reduce the accumulation of pollen that enters the house through open windows or people coming in from outside.
Clothing and personal items
- Change clothes daily: Don’t wear clothes in rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as your bedroom, to prevent pollen from accumulating there.
- Wear sunglasses: Large sunglasses can help protect your eyes from pollen when you’re outside.
These tips can help you to reduce your exposure to pollen and make the allergy season a little more pleasant. Of course, they do not replace the advice of a doctor, especially if your symptoms are difficult to control.
Dietary supplements for hay fever: Natural ways to alleviate your symptoms
Hay fever can make the spring and summer months a real challenge for many people. Whilst drug treatments are often the first choice, many sufferers look for quick alternatives to alleviate their symptoms. Food supplements can be a valuable addition to strengthen the immune system and reduce the reaction to allergens. Here we present some dietary supplements, which can help relieve hay fever symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to strengthen the immune system. It can also act as a natural antihistamine by reducing the release of histamine in the body and helping to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.
Vitamin D
A lack of vitamin D is a major factor in overreactions of the immune system. Especially after the winter months, our bodies can be more susceptible to allergies, so it is a good idea to have your vitamin D levels checked by a doctor and take vitamin D supplements accordingly.
Zinc
Certain cells, including mast cells, store histamine and release it when they come into contact with allergens. Zinc is a trace element, which can stabilise the mast cells so that less histamine is released. There is a suspected link between hay fever and a zinc deficiency, although further research is required.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that support the health of the gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome can strengthen the immune system and help prevent allergies. Taking probiotics can help to promote the balance of gut flora and modulate immune responses.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid and antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables, such as unpeeled apples, kale, green beans, onions, berries and rooibos tea. It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Quercetin can block the release of histamine and thus help to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapples. It is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe the nasal mucosa in sinusitis. Bromelain can also improve the absorption of quercetin, making it a good addition for those taking both supplements or a tasty fruit salad for allergy relief.
Good hydration
It is always important to drink enough fluids. Especially during allergy season, so that the mucous membranes are well moisturised, which means that pollen is better intercepted.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high concentrations in fish oil, linseed and walnuts, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies by reducing inflammatory reactions in the body.
Important details
Before taking supplements, it is important to speak to a doctor or qualified health professional, especially if you are already taking medication or have a pre-existing medical condition. Not all supplements are suitable for everyone, and it’s important to find the right dosage and combination for your specific needs.
Food supplements can be an effective addition to your allergy management plan, but they should not be considered a substitute for a balanced diet, medication or other therapies recommended by your doctor.
Medical assistance
If everyday adjustments and preventative measures are not enough to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever, it may be time to seek medical help. There are various treatment options that can help to minimise symptoms and improve quality of life.
Hay fever and allergic asthma
Bleibt eine Allergie unbehandelt, kann es zu allergischem Asthma kommen. Denn die Pollenallergie breitet sich über die Schleimhäute aus und wandert in die unteren Atemwege, dabei wird in der Medizin vom “Etagenwechsel” gesprochen, was bei ca. 40 % der Betroffenen eintritt. So sind dann auch Lunge mitsamt dem ganzen Bronchialsystem betroffen, was zur Entzündung führt. Neben dem Husten kann es auch zu Kurzatmigkeit kommen und im schlimmsten Fall zur Luftnot. Es ist entsprechend ratsam unbedingt einen ärztliche Hilfe aufzusuchen.
If an allergy remains untreated, it can lead to allergic asthma. This is because the pollen allergy spreads via the mucous membranes and migrates to the lower airways, which in medicine is referred to as “floor change”, which occurs in around 40% of those affected. This means that the lungs and the entire bronchial system are also affected, leading to inflammation. In addition to the cough, shortness of breath can also occur and, in the worst case, shortness of breath. It is therefore advisable to seek medical help.
Over-the-counter medicines
- Antihistamines: These medications help to block the effect of histamine in the body, which can relieve symptoms such as itching, sneezing and runny nose. They are available as tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops.
- Nasal sprays with corticosteroids: These sprays help to reduce inflammation in the nose, which can relieve congestion and other nasal symptoms. Nasal sprays should not be used for too long.
- Decongestants: Decongestants can help to reduce nasal swelling and make breathing easier. However, they are intended for short-term use and should not be used over a longer period of time.
When to see a doctor
If your symptoms are severe or over-the-counter medications do not help, it is important to see a doctor. A specialist can make a more accurate diagnosis and recommend a customised treatment, which may include prescription medication or allergy vaccinations (allergen immunotherapy).
Long-term treatment options
For people with severe allergic reactions, allergen immunotherapy may be an option. This treatment, often referred to as desensitisation, involves the regular administration of small amounts of the allergen to gradually acclimatise the body and reduce the immune response over time.
Conclusion
Hay fever can be a major burden, but with the right strategies and treatments it is possible to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Whether through preventative measures, over-the-counter medication, medical advice or diet, there are many ways to get through the allergy season better.
Frequently asked questions
Hay fever cannot currently be completely cured, but symptoms can be effectively managed with medication and by avoiding allergens. For some people, long-term treatment such as allergen immunotherapy can result in symptoms being less severe or occurring less frequently.
Hay fever and colds have similar symptoms, but there are some differences. Hay fever is often accompanied by itchy eyes, sneezing and clear nasal secretions, while colds are more often accompanied by a sore throat, cough and thicker nasal secretions. In addition, cold symptoms usually disappear after a week, whereas hay fever lasts as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
For most people, seasonal allergies are more annoying than dangerous. In some cases, however, severe allergies can lead to asthma or other serious breathing problems. Specialist medical advice is important to avoid complications.
Yes, children can suffer from hay fever just like adults. If you suspect that your child has hay fever, it is important to consult a paediatrician to find a suitable treatment.
While you can’t completely prevent hay fever from occurring, you can take steps to minimise your exposure to pollen to reduce the severity of symptoms. These include following pollen forecasts, keeping your windows closed as much as possible during pollen season and showering to remove pollen from your hair and skin after being outside.
Yes, the severity of allergy symptoms can change over time. Some people find that their symptoms become less severe over the years, whilst for others the symptoms only appear in adulthood.