With the arrival of spring comes the joys of the sun but also pesky pollen. A pollen allergy can make the most beautiful days of the year a real challenge. We'll show you how you can free your home from pollen to alleviate your symptoms and feel freer again.
Table of Contents
Hay fever, also known as pollen allergy or allergic rhinitis, is an overreaction of the immune system to certain pollens. These tiny particles are released by trees, grasses and flowers to spread their seeds. In people with hay fever, the immune system mistakenly recognises pollen particles as a threat and begins to activate a variety of defence mechanisms. The immune system releases histamine and other messengers that trigger an inflammatory response in the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and throat. These inflammatory responses cause the typical symptoms of hay fever.
The symptoms of a pollen allergy can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms are:
If you notice these symptoms in yourself, especially during the spring and summer months, you may have hay fever. If you suspect this, an ear, nose and throat doctor can advise you on diagnosis and therapy options.
Why certain substances can trigger allergies such as hay fever is largely unclear. However, there are various risk factors that can significantly increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction of the body:
A familial predisposition to allergies increases the risk of developing a pollen allergy. If one or both parents have allergies, the likelihood that their children will also suffer from allergic reactions increases. This is because the predisposition to allergic diseases is often inherited. A genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean that someone will develop hay fever. However, the risk is increased.
Studies show that air pollution can also increase the risk of a pollen allergy.*1 Air pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides or cigarette smoke, can make the mucous membranes more permeable. This in turn increases the sensitivity to allergens such as pollen. People living in areas with increased air pollution are therefore at a higher risk of hay fever.
Surprisingly, excessive hygiene can increase the risk of developing allergies.*2 A too sterile environment during childhood can prevent the immune system from developing properly and dealing naturally with potential allergens. This is referred to as the "hygiene hypothesis" and suggests that a certain amount of contact with bacteria and other microorganisms is important to strengthen the immune system and prevent allergies.
Our diet also has an influence on the development of a pollen allergy. A balanced diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats is anti-inflammatory and strengthens the immune system. This in turn helps to reduce allergic reactions. A diet rich in processed foods, sugar and saturated fats can weaken the immune system and intensify the inflammatory responses in the body. This in turn promotes the development of allergies. A number of studies confirm the negative impact of ready-made products on allergies such as hay fever.*3 Children and teenagers who eat fast food at least 3 times a week are therefore at a significantly higher risk of developing a pollen allergy.
Current studies are inconclusive as to whether breastfeeding has a significant influence on the risk of hay fever. However, there are indications that children who were exclusively breastfed in the first months of life have a lower risk of allergies.*4 In any case, breastfeeding supports the development of a healthy immune system and can thus help to reduce sensitivity to allergens.
To protect your home from pollen, it's important to know which pollens you are allergic to and when certain types of pollen are most active. The pollen season varies depending on the plant species and region. In spring, pollen usually flies from trees such as birches, ashes and alders. In summer, grass pollen is the main cause of hay fever. Pollen from weeds such as mugwort and ragweed fly mainly in late summer and autumn.
Pollen gets into your home in various ways. Some common ways are:
To free and protect your home from pollen, there are some simple measures you can take:
Air purifiers with a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) are probably the most effective method to rid your home of pollen and allergens. In addition to pollen, they also filter a variety of other pollutants from the room air.
Air purifiers are particularly good against:
This is how the Beurer air purifiers work:
The fan of the air purifier sucks in the polluted air. The pre-filter filters larger particles such as house dust, dirt and (animal) hair. Then, harmful gases, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and unpleasant odours are filtered from the room air by the activated carbon filter. Small particles such as fine dust, mites, pollen, various bacteria or viruses are filtered by the EPA/ or HEPA filter. Additional cleaning by ion technology or UV light is also possible. The purified air is released into the room air via the air outlet of the air purifier.
All Beurer air purifiers*5 have a three-layer filter system including a highly effective HEPA H13 filter. They achieve a filter performance of up to 99.95%. Whether in living rooms, in the office or home office - healthy room air noticeably increases well-being.
An air washer combines air purification and humidification in one device. The air washer humidifies dry air and simultaneously cleans it of pollen, house dust, animal hair and odours. Like in nature from the rain, the air is "washed clean" by an air washer.
This is how the Beurer air washers work:
The polluted air is sucked in by the fan of the air washer. The air flows over the humidification discs, which continuously rotate in the water to absorbs moisture. The water serves as a natural filter and removes particles such as dust, pollen or animal hair from the supplied air. The cleaned and humidified air escapes through side outlets. The humidification is based on the principle of self-regulating cold evaporation, which allows an optimal room humidity.
Even on-the-go, you can take measures to alleviate your allergy symptoms:
Discover the innovative air purifiers from Beurer, which ensure a healthy indoor climate. With a powerful three-layer filter system, they effectively remove dust, pollen, allergens, and even viruses from the air. Enjoy clean and fresh air in your home - for more wellbeing and health.
*1 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0279826#sec012
*2 https://archiv.ub.uni-marburg.de/diss/z2010/0038/pdf/dmz.pdf
*3 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13339
*4 https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/061-016e_S3_Allergiepraevention_2022-11.pdf
*5 With the exception of the air purifier LR 330.
Beurer Healthguide
This advice page was made by Beurer GmbH and is intended to help you feel healthy and happy all round.
The content of the Healthguide is intended to provide assistance and information and can in no way replace the advice of a doctor.
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