Pollen allergy - symptoms, triggers and natural help

Pollen allergy causes sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Find out more about the causes, symptoms and supportive measures for relief.

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Wissenswertes über "Pollen allergy"

Pollen allergy, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, is an exaggerated immune reaction to flower pollen.

Pollen allergy is one of the most common allergic diseases in Germany and affects millions of people - with an upward trend. Typical symptoms are sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itching and watery eyes. In severe cases, it can lead to asthmatic complaints and limitations in quality of life.

The allergy is triggered by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators when the immune system mistakenly categorises harmless pollen components as a threat. The most common triggers include grass, birch, hazel and ragweed pollen. The pollen count varies regionally and seasonally - therefore an individual pollen count calendar helps with prevention and treatment planning.

In addition to classic symptom control with antihistamines<and nasal sprays, the focus is increasingly shifting to natural therapies . These include lactoferrin, Quercetin, Vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acids, which have an effect on mast cell stability and the inflammatory process can have an effect. Also intestinal health, micronutrient status and early exposure avoidance play a key role in alleviating allergic symptoms.

Typical symptoms of a pollen allergy:

Sneezing fits, runny or blocked nose

Itchy, reddened, watery eyes
Scratchy throat, cough, possibly allergic asthma
Increased tiredness, concentration problems
Occurs seasonally - depending on the pollen season

Frequent pollen types as triggers:

Hazel, Alder, birch (spring)
grasses, rye,Cereal pollen (early summer)
Ambrosia, Mugwort (late summer/autumn)
Cross-reactions possible (e.g. with apples, nuts, etc.). e.g. with apples, nuts - oral allergy syndromes)

Treatment and prevention strategies:

Antihistamines, cortisone nasal sprays, eye drops

Allergen avoidance, ventilation management, pollen filters

through Lactoferrin, Quercetin, Omega-3, Vitamin C

Building up the gut to

Hyposensitisation in severe cases

Literature references

Bousquet, J. et al (2008): Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA). Allergy.
Ciprandi, G. et al. (2017): Role of mast cells in allergic rhinitis. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents.
Ali, H. et al. (2020): Natural polyphenols in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Front Pharmacol.