Allergies: more intense symptoms this year

The map of France is red, both for temperatures and for pollen allergies. And the allergic manifestations of the patients are even more intense than usual: watery red eyes, stuffy nose, itchy throat, serial sneezing greatly disturb many of us.

Changing weather conditions

The pollens responsible for these allergic manifestations are grass pollens, at this time. “Tree pollens are found from January to April, from May onwards, it is more grass pollen, which are tall grasses that are found everywhere, along roads, on roundabouts -points…” explains Samuel Monnier, communication manager of the national aerobiological surveillance network (RNSA).

“Stronger allergies are also linked to the weather conditions we are experiencing at the moment, with hot and dry weather without rain, which promotes the flowering of these herbs and allows them to release more pollen” adds Samuel Monnier.

Simple steps to adopt

With climate change, is there a risk that this type of event will repeat and increase? Yes, according to Samuel Monnier, who explains that the RNSA has been studying birch pollen for 30 years and that the data tends to show that the quantity of this type of pollen has jumped by more than 20%, parallel to the temperature curve.

If you are prone to allergies, here are some common sense tips to limit your exposure:

• Ventilate your home before sunrise in the morning or after sunset in the evening, to limit the entry of pollen inside;
• Close your car windows when driving;
• Wear a mask when walking outdoors;
• Dry your laundry indoors, to avoid pollen;
• Rinse your hair every night when you get home, so you don’t breathe in pollen all night;
• Monitor the situation by consulting the RNSA website www.pollens.fr
• In case of symptoms, go see your doctor for treatment that will relieve you.

Slide: Useful tips to fight spring allergies