Some symptoms of pollen allergy are less known than others and you might suffer from them all summer without knowing where it comes from. We explain to you those who should alert you.
Itchy eyes, itchy throat, runny nose… With the return of fine weather, it is also that of pollen. On Friday March 24, the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) announced the return of birch pollen, one of the most allergenic. A nightmare for people who are allergic to it, that is more than 25% of the population. The most common symptoms are generally recognizable: rhinitis and conjunctivitis, sneezing, coughing, stuffy nose, loss of smell. For more serious cases, more or less severe asthma may develop. 50% of allergy sufferers suffer from it during hot periods.
Even if you don’t experience these symptoms, you might still be allergic to pollen. Other more unknown events might impact you in the coming weeks. Among them, hives or eczema, which can come from an allergy to pollens. These skin reactions, which can go so far as to cause edema. But some more insidious symptoms should alert you if you feel them regularly when the good weather arrives. A bigger trend headaches, chronic fatigue or unusual concentration difficulties may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Do not hesitate to consult an allergist in case of doubt.
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An increase in the number of pollen allergies
If it is estimated today that approximately 25% of the French population suffers from allergies to pollen, this figure has undergone a real outbreak since the middle of the last century. In the year 2000, only 8% of French people suffered from it, and barely 1% in 1960. According to specialists, in 2050 more than half of the population might be affected. At issue: air pollution, greenhouse gases and global warming. These first lead to structural changes in the pollen grains, making them more allergenic. They are also involved in a change in the flowering habits of plants.
On average, it takes seven years of therapeutic wandering before diagnosing the origin of an allergy. If you notice some of these symptoms, it is possible to decrease the risk of reactions. Ventilate your home early in the morning or late at nightwhen pollens are less present. Rinse your hair well before sleeping. They tend to pick up pollen which can cause reactions at night. You can also adapt your outings according to the level of pollen alert available on the RNSA website if the allergy is very disabling.
