Hay fever alert: it's pollen season!
A runny nose, bouts of sneezing and red, itchy, watering eyes make life difficult for people with pollen allergies, which affect between 10 and 20% of Europeans. But what helps?
Histamine is to blame
Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts too strongly to otherwise harmless substances.. This causes the body to release substances such as histamine, which trigger reactions in the mucous membranes.
Relieve discomfort
Medicines such as antihistamines, decongestant nasal sprays, cortisone and mast cell stabilisers provide relief from acute symptoms. These inhibit the release of inflammatory messengers and help to alleviate symptoms. In the long term, specialised immunotherapy helps to permanently reduce excessive responses by the immune system. Acupuncture and microimmune therapy are suitable for both acute symptoms and as prophylaxis.
