Relieving Hay Fever: Tips and Help with Pollen Allergy

Breathe easier: Practical tips against pollen allergy.

Relieve hay fever symptoms!

Tips for preventing sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes during pollen season.

10 tips for hay fever season:

Here's how to survive the pollen season without shortness of breath and allergic hay fever spoiling your plans by taking appropriate precautions and perhaps reading a blog post on hay fever treatment.

Pollen season can be a real challenge for many people, especially for those with pollen allergy or bronchial asthma who suffer from the effects of pollen in the air. Itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, a scratchy throat, and fatigue are common signs of a pollen allergy, which are triggered by the messenger substance histamine and strain the immune system. These symptoms occur when the nasal mucosa and other mucous membranes come into contact with pollen, inhibiting the release of allergy mediators. This is particularly relevant in hay fever because mast cells play a role in this. Acute symptoms can occur especially during times when the air is filled with pollen, grasses, and herbs. The pollen from plants, especially trees and grasses, makes pollen allergy particularly unpleasant and can significantly impact everyday life, especially for people with asthma who react to the release of various inflammatory mediators such as histamine.

But with a few clever tricks, you can significantly reduce your allergy exposure and mitigate symptoms during pollen season, when many pollen species are in the air. Here are 10 tips everyone can implement to minimize the effects of allergies and pollen counts, especially for people with asthma who may need hay fever treatment.

1. Adjust your daily schedule

Adjust your daily schedule to the pollen count, especially when pollen is in the air. Regularly stay informed about your current allergy levels and keep a pollen diary to better monitor your symptoms. This way, you can schedule outdoor activities during lower-pollution times and prevent allergy symptoms and coughs. The concentration of allergens in the air is often at its lowest after a rain shower or in the early morning hours—ideal times for allergy sufferers to go outside. Fewer allergens in the air mean fewer symptoms for allergy sufferers.

2. Nasal douches

Using nasal douches can help clear the mucous membranes of irritating pollen. Nasal irrigation with saline solution can clear the mucous membranes of pollen and thus reduce the symptoms of rhinitis. This routine is particularly beneficial after a long time outdoors to clear the airways and soothe the nasal mucosa, which is crucial for allergy sufferers to reduce the release of various inflammatory mediators such as histamine. This can also alleviate symptoms in the throat and reduce the need for antihistamines.

3. Use an air purifier

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can effectively remove irritants and pollen from indoor air. It significantly reduces pollen exposure, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. Make sure to maintain your air purifier regularly and change the filters on time for best results.

STYLIES Alpha air purifier with HEPA filter can help with pollen allergies.

4. Evening hair washing for hay fever

Washing your hair at night helps remove allergen particles and relieve asthma symptoms, especially when pollen is in the air.

Pollen often gets stuck in hair and on clothing and can cause irritation at night, which is especially problematic for people with atopic dermatitis. Therefore, wash your hair and change your clothes in the evening to reduce the allergic reaction while sleeping and prevent hay fever and coughs. Hair and clothing can otherwise bring allergen particles into bed, which is problematic for pollen allergy sufferers and especially harmful for people with atopic dermatitis, as it can worsen symptoms and cause redness of the skin.

5. Do not dry laundry outdoors

While fresh air may be tempting, drying clothes outside can cause pollen to settle on them, which can be problematic for those affected and trigger sneezing. Instead, use a dryer or dry your clothes indoors to prevent the buildup of allergen particles. This will help prevent contact with pollen and allergic reactions that can cause itching and other symptoms.

Wäsche bei Pollen lieber drinnen trocknen!

6. Change clothes regularly

Changing clothes regularly is an important step for reducing allergic reactions. After a walk or time outdoors, you should change your clothes immediately to avoid allergy-causing residues, especially during pollen season. Keep worn clothes out of the bedroom to reduce pollen concentrations and create a more comfortable sleeping environment.

7. Keep windows and doors closed

During pollen season, especially in the morning and evening, you should keep windows and doors closed to minimize pollen in the air. If airing is necessary, it's best to do so shortly after a rain shower, as the air is lower in pollen then.

8. Keep living spaces pollen-free

Keeping living spaces pollen-free is especially important for people with allergic rhinitis and neurodermatitis.

Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce pollen exposure. Daily dusting also helps keep pollen levels low. Make sure to also clean your hair and clothing to avoid bringing allergy-causing pollen into your home; this is an important measure for allergy sufferers to prevent hay fever and coughs.

9. Adjust your diet

Adjusting your diet to reduce the symptoms of hay fever and nasal congestion can be an effective measure.

An anti-inflammatory diet can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, particularly through the active ingredients in butterbur. Adequate fluid intake also supports the mucous membranes and, in combination with antihistamines, can alleviate the signs of allergies.

10. Shake out clothes

Shake out clothes outside to minimize the number of allergen particles. Before bringing your clothes indoors, shake them thoroughly outside to reduce indoor pollen exposure. In addition, special anti-allergy medications such as eye drops and nasal sprays can effectively alleviate the acute symptoms of a pollen allergy. Herbal extracts and special products for treating allergic reactions can also reduce symptoms and support the immune system.

With these tips, you can get through the pollen season well and reduce your allergy symptoms and improve your quality of life.