Hardly have the first trees blossomed, and the sneezing begins again for many people: the nose runs, the eyes itch – and suddenly every walk becomes a pollen encounter. Hay fever is one of the most common allergies and actually has little to do with hay.
It is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses, or herbs. In this article, you will learn which pollen is in the air at what time, why even an apple can sometimes make your mouth tingle, and what those affected can keep in mind during pollen season.
Hay fever is medically referred to as pollen allergy or allergic rhinitis. The immune system reacts to proteins in plant pollen that are actually harmless.
In sensitized individuals, contact with pollen can trigger an immune response. This releases messenger substances such as histamine. The result can be sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, as well as itchy and watery eyes.
The name "hay fever" comes from a time when symptoms were associated with the hay harvest. Today we know: It is not the hay itself that is the deciding factor, but the pollen found in it or in the surrounding environment.
You can find out more about what happens during allergic reactions in the body and how an allergy differs from an intolerance in our overview of allergies and intolerances.
Hay fever can manifest itself in different ways. Typical symptoms are sneezing fits, a runny or stuffy nose, itching in the nose, palate, or ears, as well as red, itchy, and watery eyes.
Some sufferers also feel tired or less productive during pollen season. Sleep can also be affected, for example if a stuffy nose makes breathing difficult at night.
There is no fixed pollen season based on a calendar. The start of the blossoming period and the amount of pollen depend on factors such as weather, temperature, region, and altitude. In mild years, the first allergologically relevant pollen can appear as early as winter.
For Switzerland, the annual cycle can be roughly categorized as follows:
Since the actual exposure fluctuates from day to day, the current pollen forecast is more informative than a rigid calendar. MeteoSwiss provides current measurement and forecast data for this purpose.
Some people with a pollen allergy suddenly notice a tingling or itching sensation in their mouth when eating certain foods. The reason: Certain proteins in food are so similar to the allergy-triggering proteins in pollen that the immune system can "confuse" them.
In the case of a birch pollen allergy, for example, reactions to certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts can occur. These can include apples, cherries, carrots, or hazelnuts. This is known as a pollen-associated food allergy or a cross-reaction.
Which foods trigger symptoms and how pronounced these are differs from person to person. Foods should therefore not be eliminated from the diet as a precaution solely because of a pollen allergy.
If shortness of breath, significant swelling in the mouth or throat area, circulatory problems, or impaired consciousness occur after eating, a severe allergic reaction may be present. In such a situation, call the emergency number 144 immediately.
When symptoms occur every year during certain months, a pollen allergy is suspected. However, for medical clarification, it is not just an allergy test that is decisive. Equally important is the medical history: When do the symptoms occur, how severe are they, and do they align with the pollen flight?
Depending on the situation, skin tests such as the prick test and blood tests for specific IgE antibodies can be used. A symptom or pollen diary can additionally help to identify connections between symptoms and pollen exposure.
A positive allergy test initially shows sensitization. Whether this is actually responsible for the symptoms must be assessed in conjunction with the medical history and symptoms.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. A first approach is to reduce exposure to the triggering pollen as much as reasonably possible. In addition, various medications are available that can alleviate allergic symptoms.
Commonly used drug classes for pollen allergies include, for example, antihistamines and cortisone-based nasal sprays. Which treatment is suitable depends on individual symptoms and can be discussed with a doctor or a specialist in a pharmacy.
For certain patients, allergen-specific immunotherapy, also known as desensitization, is an option. During this, the immune system is controlled and exposed to the triggering allergen over a longer period of time. This requires an accurate diagnosis and a medical assessment of whether this treatment is suitable for the specific allergen and individual situation.
Pollen allergies do not always exclusively affect the nose and eyes. People with allergic rhinitis have an increased risk of also developing allergic asthma. If, in addition to hay fever, you repeatedly experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of tightness in the chest, this should be medically investigated.
The term "allergic march" (or "stage change") is often used for the involvement of the lower airways. However, this does not mean that asthma inevitably develops in every person with hay fever. Whether this happens depends on various factors.
Avoiding pollen completely is hardly possible. However, personal exposure can often be reduced. Knowing the current pollen forecast and adjusting outdoor activities during high exposure is particularly helpful.
Washing your hair in the evening and not leaving worn clothes in the bedroom can prevent unnecessary amounts of pollen from getting into the bed. When airing out rooms, it may make sense to orient yourself towards the current pollen count. Wearing sunglasses while out and about can help reduce the direct contact of pollen with the eyes.
In the car, a suitable pollen filter can be helpful, provided it is maintained and changed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keeping an eye on the current pollen situation is also worth it when exercising or spending long periods outdoors.
"You only get hay fever in the spring."
No. Depending on which pollen someone reacts to, symptoms can begin as early as winter or extend into late summer or autumn.
"You only get hay fever as a child."
No. A pollen allergy can also manifest itself for the first time in adulthood.
"All pollen disappears immediately when it rains."
It's not that simple. Sustained rain can lower the pollen concentration in the air, but the actual exposure depends on the weather, the type of pollen, and local conditions.
"If you react to birch pollen, you are not allowed to eat apples."
No. Not everyone with a birch pollen allergy reacts to apples. Foods should only be avoided if there is actually a corresponding reaction or medical recommendation.
Medical clarification is useful if symptoms recur regularly, significantly impair sleep or daily life, the trigger is unclear, or previous treatment is not helping sufficiently.
It is especially important to get checked out if coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of tightness in the chest occur. These symptoms may indicate involvement of the lower airways.
If sudden, severe breathing difficulties, pronounced swelling in the mouth or throat area, circulatory problems, or impaired consciousness occur, request medical help immediately by calling the emergency number 144.
Hay fever is more than just seasonal sneezing. When symptoms occur depends on which pollen someone reacts to and when it is actually in the air.
Those who know their personal triggers, keep an eye on the current pollen exposure, and have persistent or severe symptoms professionally assessed can be better prepared for the pollen season.
Hay fever often occurs in line with the pollen season and is typically accompanied by sneezing and itchy or watery eyes. A cold is caused by viruses and can additionally cause symptoms such as a sore throat and a general feeling of being unwell. If symptoms are unclear or persistent, medical clarification is advisable.
That depends on the weather, region, and plant species. In mild regions, hazel and alder can release pollen as early as winter. Other tree pollens follow in the spring, later followed by grasses, and in late summer by mugwort and ragweed, among others.
Yes. A pollen allergy can also develop or first become noticeable in adulthood.
In this case, the immune system recognizes similarly structured proteins from pollen and certain foods. As a result, if you have a birch pollen allergy, for example, symptoms can occur in the mouth and throat area after consuming certain raw foods.
Allergen-specific immunotherapy—often called desensitization—is a medical treatment in which the immune system is exposed to the triggering allergen in a controlled manner over a longer period of time. Whether it is suitable is decided on an individual basis and based on an accurate allergy diagnosis.
People with allergic rhinitis have an increased risk of also developing allergic asthma. However, this does not happen to all affected individuals. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of tightness in the chest should therefore be evaluated by a doctor.
Note: This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. If you have symptoms or suspect a pollen allergy, please consult a medical professional. In the event of a severe allergic reaction or severe shortness of breath, call the emergency services at 144. The content of this article does not relate to HAWLIK products.
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Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
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