Pollen Allergy: What to Do? The Most Important Points at a Glance

• Your nose is runny or stuffy, the urge to cough comes from deep in your throat, and your eyes are bothering you: Hay fever is a real nuisance.
• From the first signs of spring and sometimes well into the summer, some people with allergies struggle with the symptoms of pollen allergies.
• It is not uncommon for this to also lead to shortness of breath or severe skin rashes.
• By following a few simple rules, people with allergies may not be able to prevent their allergy season, but they can significantly alleviate their symptoms.

While most people look forward to spring, summer, and rising temperatures, the mood is dampened for about one in seven to one in five Swiss or Central Europeans. The reason: a pollen allergy, commonly known as hay fever. There are countless plants to which people are allergic. But there are also some helpful tips on how to keep the symptoms somewhat under control.

Pollen Allergy: The Most Common Symptoms

To determine the best way to relieve your pollen allergy symptoms, we first need to discuss the symptoms themselves. The eyes are often affected—they become red, itchy, watery, or burn. This is often accompanied by a stuffy nose that is also runny and itchy. Sneezing fits are not uncommon, and a dry cough that’s hard to control is also a frequent symptom.

A nasal mucosa that becomes dry due to these symptoms is more vulnerable, making it easier for viruses to overcome the immune system. When pollen allergens reach the mucous membrane of the eye, they can cause styes and conjunctivitis. Last but not least, people with allergies often suffer from persistent breathing difficulties or skin rashes.

Pollen Allergy: What Should You Do?

However, as someone with a pollen allergy, you can take precautions to minimize the physical strain caused by the allergy. When you’re outdoors, sunglasses can help protect your eyes from most of the pollen. If the pollen forecast predicts high pollen levels, it’s advisable to stay indoors—and keep the windows closed.

It’s better to air out the room briefly every now and then than to leave windows tilted open all the time. If you’re used to hanging laundry outside to dry, you should avoid doing so during pollen season: the pollen gets trapped in the fabric. Also, don’t take the clothes you’ve worn during the day into your bedroom at night, so that the pollen trapped in them doesn’t keep you awake. And admittedly, it does take a bit of effort to hop in the shower one more time in the evening when you’re already getting tired. But pollen also settles in your hair and on your skin, which you can rinse out by washing your hair and taking a thorough shower. This minimizes your exposure to pollen overnight and helps you sleep much better.

Chewing Gum as a Treatment for Pollen Allergies in Kanela

In addition to the measures mentioned above, taking medication is not only understandable but actually recommended. However, if you’re considering stronger medications, be sure to consult a doctor first. A good, over-the-counter remedy for symptoms caused by pollen allergies is Similasan’s Pollen Blocker chewing gum, which can be used not only for grass or tree pollen but also for allergies to dust mites, house dust, or animal dander.

This lemon-mint-flavored gum is gluten-free and sugar-free and contains ovomucoid, a substance derived from quail eggs that noticeably alleviates the symptoms of pollen allergies. The zinc it also contains supports the immune system, which is also compromised by allergies—now available in the Kanela Online Shop.