pollen allergy
You can quickly forget these 5 hay fever myths
Hay fever is already on the rise again – and with it many half-truths. We clear up five myths.
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There are many myths surrounding hay fever. We clean up with the most well-known.
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Temperatures in mid-February were very mild for the time of year. Therefore already has the hay fever season started. In the 20-minute community, too, some suffer from pollen allergies and share their best allergy tips here. We’ll tell you five myths on the subject that are best forgotten.
Myth 1: Sneezing and itchy, watery eyes – that’s hay fever
These symptoms are typical and often the hay fever starts with them. But also complaints such as inflamed nasal mucous membranes, runny nose or blocked nose, sore throat, bad sleep, concentration disorders and general tiredness can occur. Occasionally, those affected also complain about a restricted sense of taste or no longer hear well. In addition, flare-ups of eczema can occur when someone suffers from neurodermatitis.
Other allergies – such as to apples or nuts – can also occur in connection with hay fever.
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You may also suddenly have an allergic reaction to certain foods. The reason for this are similar protein structures in natural foods such as nuts or fruits. An apple, for example, can also trigger an allergic reaction in people who react to birch pollen. In this case one speaks of one Kreuz allergy.
Myth 2: Hay fever is more common in the country than in the city
Although there are usually more plants in the countryside, the claim is not true. The pollen load can also be considerable in the cities. In some cases, the pollen there is even more aggressive due to the higher concentration of fine particles. For example, birch pollen, together with the tiny fine dust particles, releases more allergens than uncontaminated birch pollen in rural areas. By the way: Above around 1600 meters, the air is practically pollen-free. Even in coastal regions and directly by the sea, allergy sufferers are usually free of symptoms.
At the sea and in the mountains, the pollen load is usually low – and allergy sufferers can breathe deeply.
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Myth 3: Hay fever is troublesome but harmless
That would be nice, but unfortunately it’s not true. Because hay fever can develop into allergic asthma, which is referred to as a so-called “floor change”. The risk of this is particularly high when children of preschool age develop hay fever. Experts recommend that all those affected, regardless of age, treat a pollen allergy early and, above all, correctly – that is, with the help of a specialist.
Mythos 4: Hay fever is not new in adulthood
Incorrect. Hay fever can catch everyone, even in old age. However, most new cases actually occur in children and adolescents. And there’s good news, too: Just as suddenly as hay fever can come on, it can go away. Spontaneous healing from hay fever is therefore possible. It is not yet known why the allergy is suddenly gone.
Hay fever usually occurs in childhood – but even in adulthood you can suddenly have an allergic reaction.
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Myth 5: The allergy disappears as a result of hyposensitization
Unfortunately not. During hyposensitization – also known as desensitization – the body slowly gets used to the allergens over a longer period of time. As a result, the immune system ideally no longer reacts when it comes into contact with allergens. However, the symptoms are often only alleviated and there is no guarantee of success. The treatment works better the earlier it is carried out. And it can also prevent the development of asthma.
What is your experience with hay fever?