Watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat: today, many people with pollen allergies suffer from these symptoms for a large part of the year. This phenomenon is mainly due to climate change: milder temperatures favor the growth of new, particularly allergenic plants, such as ragweed or ailanthus, which are now also growing in Luxembourg. At the same time, due to the lengthening of the growing season, many plants flower earlier and their pollen remains in the air for months.
Hay fever is very common
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According to studies, almost half of the Luxembourg population is allergic to pollen. Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, can occur at any time of life. The first symptoms often appear in childhood or early adulthood. The intensity of symptoms may vary over the years, and they may even disappear temporarily. However, hay fever is particularly pronounced in children and adults aged 30 to 50.
The main culprits of the symptoms in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, grass and herbaceous pollens are among the most common triggers of hay fever. Early flowering plants, such as hazel, alder or birch, often also cause an increase in pollen levels. Rye and, increasingly, imported plants like ragweed also have a role to play.
Pollen alert: some tips for allergy sufferers
In Luxembourg, the pollen season generally begins early: hazel and alder pollen can be present in the air as early as January or February. Birch and grasses follow in spring and reach their peak from May. Herbaceous plants such as mugwort and ragweed bloom in summer, and sometimes into fall. In some areas, pollen may be detectable until November, especially if the weather remains mild. In the Grand Duchy, pollen monitoring is mainly carried out via the Pollen.lu application, which provides real-time data using sensors installed on the roofs of the Luxembourg Hospital Center (CHL). It analyzes 11 main types of pollen and classifies their concentration into four categories, from “low” to “high”.
How does hay fever manifest?
Hay fever is one of the so-called “immediate” allergies: symptoms generally appear a few minutes after the affected person inhales pollen. The immune system reacts hypersensitively to pollen, although it is harmless, and triggers an inflammatory reaction in the mucous membranes. The characteristic symptoms of a pollen allergy are:
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Runny or stuffy nose;
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Frequent sneezing;
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Itchy nose, throat or ears;
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Runny, itchy, or burning eyes due to irritation of the conjunctiva.
Some affected people only experience mild symptoms, while others react more strongly, especially when the concentration of pollen in the air is particularly high.
How to distinguish hay fever from the classic cold?
Runny nose, sneezing, fatigue: the symptoms of hay fever often resemble those of a cold, which is usually caused by viruses. There are, however, clear differences: Pollen allergy is mainly characterized by the fact that it often affects the eyes, which run, itch or burn. In addition, its symptoms generally appear at the same time each year, namely when the plants to which one is allergic are in flower.
Another clue: as a general rule, the allergy does not cause fever or muscle pain, unlike a classic cold. The duration should also be taken into account: while a cold disappears after one to two weeks, hay fever symptoms persist for weeks or even months, as long as pollen is present in the air.
How to fight hay fever?
The main treatment is to avoid allergenic pollens as much as possible, but this is difficult to put into practice. To provide lasting relief from symptoms, desensitization can help. It consists of gradually accustoming the immune system to the allergen by means of injections, tablets or drops. Treatment usually lasts between one and three years and can also reduce the risk of developing allergic asthma.
Why more and more people suffer from allergies
To relieve acute symptoms, different medications are available. Antihistamines reduce itching, sneezing, and watery eyes and often work within a short time. In case of more severe symptoms, it is possible to use cortisone nasal sprays, which inhibit inflammation and improve nasal breathing. Cromones can also be beneficial, provided they are used regularly and as a preventative measure. In addition, a nasal wash with salt water can help clean the mucous membranes and eliminate pollen from the nose.
What can those affected do?
People affected by hay fever should avoid contact with pollen as much as possible. The air is generally cleaner after a downpour, making it a good time to get some fresh air and take walks. On the other hand, symptoms may temporarily intensify at the start of a storm. Allergy sufferers should stay away from flower meadows and grain fields. The Pollen.lu app provides an overview of the current pollen situation in Luxembourg.
Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to Pollen
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Wash your hair in the evening to prevent pollen from settling in your bed.
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Change clothes outside your bedroom and do not dry your laundry outside.
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Wash your bed linen and textiles regularly.
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Instead, ventilate in the morning if you live in the city, and in the evening if you are in the countryside.
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Install anti-pollen screens on your windows and use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
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Wipe your furniture regularly with a cloth to remove pollen residue.
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When driving, keep the windows closed and have your pollen filter serviced regularly.
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Outside, wear sunglasses and adapt your sporting activities according to the pollen count: do them in the morning in the city and in the evening in the countryside.
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