Millions of Germans have it, many know it: hay fever. It is the most common allergy in industrialized countries.
Symptoms: sneezing attacks, dry cough, irritated nasal mucosa, runny/blocked nose, red or watery eyes, swollen eyelids. In severe forms of pollen allergy, the symptoms can be even more severe.
Triggers: Plant pollen, such as pollen from trees, grasses, and herbs, is the biggest source of hay fever.
Examination: Finding the right treatment requires patience, because every allergy sufferer needs a different one. The allergist can use a skin test (prick test) and a blood test (IgE test) to determine which pollen is causing the allergy.
Therapy: If hay fever is treated incorrectly or not at all, it can spread to the bronchi, for example. In the case of hay fever, antihistamines or asthma medication are mainly used. Immunotherapy can also help to “weaken” the immune system’s defense reaction.
Source: Stern
