Red eyes, repeated sneezing, runny nose... No doubt, pollen season is at its peak. Almost the entire France is experiencing a wave of grass pollen.
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The National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) last weekend placed 90 departments on red alert for grass pollen, and the other six, all located in the west of the country, are placed on yellow alert, indicating a "medium" risk.
For the next 3 days, grass pollen will be particularly present in the center of the France with a very high concentration in cities such as Auxerre, Bourges or Poitiers.
To prevent these beautiful spring weather conditions from being spoiled by pollen, it is important to follow a few actions to reduce the symptoms of pollinosis.
- Rinse your hair in the evening
Our hair being an excellent receptacle for pollens, rinsing them in the evening can get rid of particles that land on it all day and thus avoid putting them on the pillow.
- Ventilate your home early in the morning or late at night
To avoid contact with pollen as much as possible, it is important to ventilate your home, preferably early in the morning or late at night, the latter being more in motion during the day.
- Avoid irritants
It is important not to expose yourself to irritants. Tobacco, cleaning and DIY products, or home fragrances increase the risk of rhinitis and allergy because they are irritating to the nose and respiratory tract.
- Don't dry your laundry outdoors
To prevent pollen-laden particles from clinging to your clothes and settling all over your closets, consider hanging your laundry inside or using a dryer.
- Avoid outdoor activities
It is strongly discouraged to do gardening and even more so to mow your lawn if you are allergic to grasses. It is also better to avoid practicing sports activity outdoors, physical exertion increases respiratory rate and therefore inhalation of pollen. Walking in parks and gardens is also not recommended.
- Protect your eyes and hair
When you go out, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat or cap to prevent pollen particles from clinging to your hair. Wearing a mask also protects against the entry of pollen into the respiratory tract.
In case of allergy here are the actions to adopt to reduce exposure to #pollens, #prévention
(Do not hesitate to go to a doctor in case of worsening of your symptoms!) pic.twitter.com/yl5BsEegqq
— National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (@rnsa_pollen) April 16, 2018
"These good gestures limit exposure to pollen but do not eliminate symptoms," warns Samuel Monnier, engineer at the RNSA (National Aerobiological Surveillance Network) contacted by Le Parisien. He also advises to "avoid scratching your eyes" and "remember to wash your hands regularly".
The specialist also recalls that when allergic symptoms become too extreme, it is important to quickly consult a doctor or allergist "to be prescribed an antihistamine-based treatment". The latter "makes it possible to better support his seasonal rhinitis and not to let a big cold worsen into an asthma attack or something more serious," he says.