Pollens: the right reflexes to have to protect yourself from allergies

Pollens: what are the health risks?

Pollens are responsible for allergic reactions called pollinoses at the level of contact areas: respiratory mucous membranes (nose and mouth) and eyes. More rarely they can cause skin reactions, such as eczema or hives.

The main manifestations of pollen allergy are allergic rhinitis (or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis), often called “hay fever”. However, this last name refers more particularly to grass pollen allergy and allergic asthma.

Sneezing attacks, itchy nose, sometimes stuffy or clear runny, red, itchy or watery eyes, are the symptoms which, possibly associated with wheezing or coughing, should alert you. Indeed, repetitive and seasonal discomfort linked to these symptoms, associated with unusual fatigue, can be a sign of a pollen allergy. Allergies can benefit from prevention and treatment measures. This is why it is recommended to consult your doctor who will, if necessary, refer the patient to an allergist.Allergy symptoms can only be diagnosed after a medical examination.

Pollens: tips to apply to protect yourself

When you are allergic, here are recommendations to reduce exposure to pollen. These recommendations are general and must be adapted depending on the case with the treating physician.

Adopt the right actions at home or before leaving the house in the event of pollen peaks

The hair retains pollen and grasses which will be deposited on the pillow, which can hinder breathing during sleep. It is advisable to brush your hair in the evening, outside of your bedroom.

Washing your nose morning and evening with physiological serum helps to gradually eliminate the pollen that accumulates in the nasal mucous membranes.

The emission of pollen into the air begins at sunrise. It is advisable to ventilate your home for at least 10 minutes from 7 p.m.

Wet hair retains pollen and can therefore worsen allergy symptoms. After a shower or bath, don’t forget to ventilate the room.

• Avoid exposure to other irritating or allergenic substances in indoor air (tobacco, cleaning products, indoor perfumes, incense, etc.).

The indoor air that we breathe 80% of our time (at home, at work, on public transport, etc.) is five to seven times more polluted than outside air. In addition to the outside air that enters, there are specific indoor air pollutants (chemical pollutants, fibers, particles, etc.).

Adopt the right actions outdoors in the event of pollen peaks

Although the weather is ideal for drying laundry outdoors, it is advisable to dry it indoors. Pollen settles and attaches to damp surfaces.

This protective equipment helps reduce exposure to pollen. Glasses protect the ocular mucosa and limit conjunctivitis due to pollen. Masks limit the inhalation of pollen.

By driving with the windows closed, you avoid exposing your face to pollen and limit their accumulation in the vehicle interior. Make sure the pollen filters are in good condition.

Glasses retain some of the pollen that could enter your eyes and limit your glare. Indeed, the eyes are more sensitive to light when the conjunctiva is irritated by an allergic reaction.

• Avoid outdoor activities that lead to overexposure to pollen (grass mowing, garden maintenance, sports activities, etc.).

If necessary, choose the end of the day and wear protective glasses and a mask for your outdoor activities.

During pollination periods, pollens are particularly present in the air when the weather is dry. The wind promotes their suspension in the air.

Water helps settle pollens on the ground, which prevents them from reaching the respiratory tract.

Pollens: find out about their presence

Information for allergy sufferers on the presence of pollen in the air (start and end of the pollen season, concentrations in the air)is essential to enable them to adapt their treatments and behaviorsand thus see reduction of allergy symptoms. This information is also useful for people in contact with allergic subjects such as healthcare professionals.

To obtain information on allergenic plants, pollen emissions, pollination periods, several sites can be consulted:

The RNSA offers the possibility of receiving weekly allergy risk forecasts by e-mail from the departments of your choice. Pollen alerts are only sent in the event of an allergic risk during the pollen season.

Pollens: good reflexes to fight against the phenomenon

Through appropriate management and maintenance of outdoor spaces and gardens, we can locally reduce the quantities of pollen in the outdoor air:

In gardens and outdoor spaces, it is important to pay attention to the allergenic potential of plants. However, be careful not to harm biodiversity. In fact, planting a variety of species helps reduce the concentration of pollen of the same species in the air, reducing the risk of allergies.

Regular pruning of trees, hedges, lawns, etc. prevents flowers from appearing and thus reduces the quantity of pollen grains in the air during the pollen season.