Here are the departments on red alert facing the risk of allergy to birch pollen this weekend: Femme Actuelle Le MAG

The return of warm and sunny weather this weekend will encourage the release of pollen into the air. “The risk of allergy will remain high in 3/4 of the country for birch pollen, which is very allergenic and very abundant,” we can read in the allergo-pollen bulletin of the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) of April 12

Pollens will thus be present in many departments of France. Which departments are affected at the start of April? We take stock.

Pollen weather: the departments currently on red alert in April

This weekend, temperatures are rising and the weather is sunny. Certain regions such as Aquitaine, Occitanie and Var will see the thermometer exceed 30 degrees, while 25 degrees will be generalized across the rest of the country. “These conditions will maintain a high allergy risk for birch pollen on 3/4 of the territory“, underlines the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA).

Here is the forecast map updated on April 12, 2024 by the RNSA:

Pollen allergy alert: birch, cypress, plane tree… What are the allergic risks at the moment in France?

What pollens are currently involved in the allergic risk highlighted by the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network?

• THE oak and grass pollen are increasing in intensity and now affect almost the entire country, with an allergy risk ranging from low to medium.
• THE plane tree pollen are still present with a risk of allergy varying from low to medium depending on the departments. They can be very irritating and cause coughing.
• Other pollens such as those of Cupressaceae (cypress), Urticaceae (parietaria), ash, willow, poplar, hornbeam, plantain and sorrel will also be present in the air, with a low to medium risk of allergy.
• The pollens of pinaceae (pine, fir, spruce) are very abundant in the air over a large part of the territory and can yellow exterior surfaces (cars, sidewalks, balconies, etc.) but they are not allergenic.

What is a pollen allergy?

An allergy “is a hypersensitivity of the body to substances, generally harmless and present in the environment” as explained by Health Insurance. In the case of pollen allergy, symptoms following an allergic reaction occur “generally” in spring, during the period of plant pollination, according to the Institut Pasteur de Lille. But it can last until the fall. Pollen in the air “penetrates the respiratory tract and comes into contact with the eyes, causing more or less serious inflammation in allergic people” is it detailed.

What are the symptoms of pollen allergy?

Exposure to pollen can cause certain symptoms in an allergic person:

Pollen allergy: what to do?

However, there are some good gestures to have in order to reduce the symptoms, which can sometimes be disturbing. The Ministry of Health reminds us of the good reflexes to have at home:

• ventilate for at least ten minutes a day,
• wash your hair in the evening,
• avoid allergenic factors (tobacco, indoor perfumes, incense, etc.).

When you are outdoors, you should:

• Avoid drying laundry outside,
• Do not do outdoor sports (such as running for example) which leads to overexposure to pollen,
• Keep windows closed when traveling by car.

Pollen allergies can be debilitating, but are generally benign. If symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

Sources:

• The National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) – Allergo-pollen bulletin of April 12 and pollen allergy risk map updated on April 2, 2024
• Ministry of Health – Pollen allergies: actions to adopt
• Health insurance – Recognizing an allergy
• Institut Pasteur de Lille – Pollen allergies: what to do to relieve the symptoms?