As of: April 5, 2024, 4:30 p.m
By: Carina Blumenroth
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Hay fever is annoying and those affected suffer from it. But is pollen allergy actually dangerous?
The nose runs, the eyes water, this is how the body reacts to pollen. Around 12 million people in Germany suffer from hay fever, reports the non-profit
foundation European Center for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF)
. Hay fever usually becomes noticeable before the age of 25, and in children it often occurs between the ages of 8 and 16. However, more and more people over the age of 50 are developing pollen allergies for the first time, reports the foundation. Depending on how badly those affected react to the pollen count, hay fever should be treated. What consequences the allergy can have.
What actually happens when you have hay fever?
Is it a cold or hay fever? Why a diagnosis is important. © ImageBROKER/Anette Jäger/Imago
If you suffer from hay fever, your immune system is overreacting. This actually attacks harmless particles. Inflammatory substances are released that affect the upper respiratory tract, informs the
health insurance company AOK
. As a result, you as the affected person sniffle and sneeze.
Consequence of hay fever: Allergic asthma
Hay fever can develop into more than one in five people - the result is allergic asthma with shortness of breath or shortness of breath, informs the
health insurance company AOK
. This means that the inflammation spreads to the lower respiratory tract. The mucous membrane swells and produces more mucus, causing an asthma attack. If you experience typical hay fever symptoms for the first time, you should go to the doctor. With an official diagnosis, you can also receive targeted treatment so that, ideally, allergic asthma does not develop.
What are typical hay fever symptoms?
According to ECARF,
the typical symptoms of hay fever include
:
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Nose: Runny nose with watery secretion, itchy nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
Eyes: itching, tears, redness of the conjunctiva
Mouth/throat: itching, burning
Ears: Itching in the ear canals
Lungs: Dry cough (at night), wheezing, shortness of breath
Skin: redness, worsening of neurodermatitis
General: tiredness, sleep disorders, headaches
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Just hay fever? Food is often also affected
People with a pollen allergy usually also have an allergy to certain foods. In this case one can speak of cross allergies, informs the science magazine
Quarks
. For example, people who are allergic to birch pollen may be allergic to raw apples or hazelnuts. This is shown by itching in the throat or swelling in the mouth area. The reason for this is that the proteins in some foods are similar to those of pollen proteins. The human immune system then classifies certain fruits, vegetables, nuts or spices as dangerous. Who is allergic to what?
Birch pollen |
Common: raw apples, hazelnuts, pears, avocados |
|---|---|
Grass or grain pollen |
Common: celery or tomatoes |
Quarks
reports that cross-allergies are more common in adults than in children. Old apple varieties are also said to be better tolerated than new varieties.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.