Tips for pollen allergy sufferers

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.

Keep your washing indoors
During the pollen season, do not dry your washing outside. Dry it inside - preferably in a sunny window where it can dry without the risk of it becoming contaminated by pollen. Or else use a tumble dryer.

Avoid cigarette smoke
Harmful substances carried in the air irritate the respiratory tract and make every allergy even worse. Therefore, pollen allergy sufferers should avoid cigarette smoke at all costs - as well as certain cosmetics, such as hairspray and deodorants. If this is not possible, a high performance air purifier should be used.

Glasses, not contact lenses
Pollen allergies often cause irritation to the eyes. Therefore, contact lenses should be avoided during the pollen season Glasses should be worn as soon as any redness or itching occurs. The lenses of the glasses have the added bonus of keeping some of the pollen away from the eyes.

Take a break from hay fever
Why not plan your holiday to coincide with the worst period for your particular hay fever? Get away to a place in the south where "your" pollen season has already finished. Alternatively, go north or to the mountains, to any place where the season has not yet begun. Holiday in the mountains or take a sea cruise. Or go to a holiday spot where the plants are not like those in Central Europe.