Tree Pollen Season Over, But Strong Grass Pollen Season Expected

Grass pollen allergy sufferers must prepare for a challenging time, as the peak season for grass blooming is imminent. The many rainfalls have so far slowed down the release, but fueled the growth of the plants. If dry and sunny weather sets in, a strong pollen count is to be expected, the Austrian Pollen Information Service announced in a release on Wednesday. The tree pollen season is now over.

Grass Pollen Concentrations Measured

The first relevant grass pollen concentrations were measured this year between the end of April and the beginning of May. In mid-May, there was even a first peak in exposure before the weather temporarily provided relief. "If the sun comes out now and it stays dry for a longer period, a sudden increase in pollen exposure is to be expected. Grasses often release their pollen suddenly," explains Markus Berger, ENT specialist and head of the Austrian Pollen Information Service (ÖPID). "We therefore expect an above-average intense grass pollen season."

Grass pollen is one of the most important allergy triggers worldwide. In Austria, hundreds of thousands of people suffer from their bloom every year. The season lasts from early May into August. Thus, grass pollen flight is the longest-lasting pollen season, affecting the most allergy sufferers. Freshly cut grass can also cause problems: "Some allergy sufferers also react with allergic symptoms to the sap of the plants upon skin contact," said Berger.

Tree Pollen Season Came to an End

Tree pollen allergy sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief at the end of the current season. Berger recommends that people with symptoms have them clarified and treated, as an allergy can also develop into asthma. "In the stress-free period, allergy sufferers whose symptoms are no longer controllable should start therapy to prepare the immune system and optimally prepare for the next allergy season," recommends the doctor.

According to ÖPID, the best preparation is allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), as it combats not only symptoms but also the cause of the allergy, the release stated. In this process, a small amount of the allergy-causing substance (allergen) is regularly administered to the body over a longer period - either as a tablet, drops, or injection. This way, the immune system slowly gets used to the allergen and reacts less sensitively to it.

(APA/Red)

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