If you have hay fever, you have to expect strong symptoms. One researcher has now warned in particular of a pollen species.
March 19, 2020
Beware of birch allergies
The hay fever season has already started. Now allergy sufferers have to adjust to the worsening of the symptoms. Uwe Berger, head of the Austrian pollen warning service at the Medical University of Vienna, has confirmed this to ORF. Due to the mild winter, the pollen flies much earlier than usual – and starts "explosively".
Now the birch pollen season is particularly imminent. And that could be stronger than before, because as the expert explains, birch trees are struggling to survive due to climate change. That means: pollen production is in full swing. And it could start this week.
03/18/2020
Good night, hay fever!
The tricky thing about pollen: They are so tiny that we can hardly recognize them and make life so difficult for us. That's why there is an old hay fever trick that gives every allergy sufferer a little relaxation.
Who does not know it? The tiredness of the day only lets us fall into bed in the evening – and yet we cannot sleep because the symptoms of hay fever simply do not subside. No more: The bed rule ensures quiet nights.
- When you get home in the evening, first take your clothes off and take a shower.
- Store the clothes in a closed laundry basket outside the bedroom.
- Wash your hair.
- Only then enter your bedroom.
Many pollen sticks to our clothes and especially our hair unnoticed during the day. At night they cause particularly strong symptoms when we open the braid and leave the clothes open. That is why the bed rule helps to keep the bedroom completely pollen-free – and at least lets you forget the hay fever at night.
03/17/2020
3 home remedies
Every year anew: In the meantime, the hay fever season starts so early that allergy sufferers have little time to relax. But since you don't want to take antihistamines all year round, it is worth trying a few home remedies:
- Inhale: Only helps with a cold? Wrong thought! Inhaling with hot salt water moisturizes the mucous membranes and provides relief for a stuffy nose.
- Nettle tea: Have a cup of tea! Nettle also has a decongestant effect.
- Vitamin C: Include vitamin-rich foods in your menu, such as peppers or broccoli. Vitamin C is said to help break down the histamine released in allergies.
Warning: Of course, medications prescribed by the doctor should not simply be discontinued. The same applies to allergic asthma. Our tips are intended for uncomplicated hay fever symptoms, if you are very troubled, ask your doctor for safety reasons!
March 16, 2020
Do I have hay fever or corona?
The corona virus continues to spread as the hay fever season begins. And as the nose starts to run, many people feel an uncomfortable feeling: is this my allergy or maybe I have the corona virus?
We give an overview of the respective symptoms, by which you can recognize the differences.
Hay fever symptoms
- Runny nose, runny nose
- itchy eyes / skin
- depending on the type of allergy:
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath in allergic asthma
- The symptoms decrease when taking the appropriate allergy medication.
Covid 19 symptoms
- Common (60-80%):
- Dry cough
- fever
- Less common (<20%) in descending order:
- shortness of breath
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- a headache
- Nausea / vomiting
- stuffy nose
- diarrhea
In general, it can be said that hay fever symptoms mostly focus on the upper respiratory tract, while Covid-19 mainly causes cough. Fever does not usually occur with an allergy, so this can also be a distinguishing feature.
As always: If you are not feeling well or you are worried that it may be the Corona virus, call your family doctor and he will help you!
Sources used: RKI, Federal Ministry of Health, adhoc pharmacy, ORF