Pollen season
The pollen season starts earlier and earlier each year, and pollen can even be detected at the beginning of the year. The appearance of different types of pollen always follows the same pattern:
- first, hazel and alder in winter (beginning of the year);
- then birch, ash, beech and oak, etc. in spring;
- then grass pollen from the end of spring to the beginning of summer;
- and finally herbaceous pollens (mugwort, Poaceae, nettles, etc.) in late summer and autumn.
The higher temperatures associated with climate change can lead to earlier pollination, an increase in the amount of pollen produced, and the proliferation of new, potentially allergenic species. Exposure to environmental factors – such as pollution of ambient or indoor air – and harmful chemicals can also worsen suffers' symptoms, and lead to the development of allergies.
Symptoms of pollen allergies
For people with allergies, contact with pollen can cause the following reactions:
- an itchy, runny nose (clear secretion);
- red, itchy, runny eyes;
- uncontrollable sneezing fits;
- itchy skin (hives and eczema);
- fatigue;
- wheezing and/or coughing.
Most respiratory allergies take one of two forms:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): the patient has a stuffy or runny nose and signs of conjunctivitis. Allergic rhinitis can develop into asthma.
- Allergic asthma, which results in inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The patient has trouble breathing.
Although pollen allergies are benign, they are still a real public health problem. Sufferers can experience symptoms for months, which can impact their everyday lives, and even lead to absenteeism from school or work.
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