Allergy sufferers in Styria: Spring brings pollen battle!

Allergy sufferers in Styria: Spring brings pollen battle!

In Styria, the combination of dry air and mild temperatures ensures an early start to the pollen season. Allergy sufferers are particularly feeling the effects of early bloomers such as hazel and alder, while forecasts point to the start of the birch season next week. Lukas Dirr from the Austrian Pollen Information Service explained that a peak in the birch pollen season in the east should be expected at the beginning of April. According to historical data, pollen levels will decline quickly after this peak, but this does not necessarily mean that allergy sufferers' symptoms will decrease. Many sufferers need to prepare for symptoms such as itching, red eyes and runny noses, which should be treated promptly.

The good news for 2025 is that birch pollen levels are forecast to be below average kleinezeitung.at reported. However, there are also less optimistic aspects to consider. The number of allergy sufferers is increasing and climate change is lengthening and intensifying pollen seasons, making the spectacular flowering times more unpredictable. Fritz Horak, medical director of the Allergy Center Vienna West, emphasized that 50 percent of the population in Austria is now affected by allergic sensitization. The ongoing drought could also worsen pollen levels as rain washes the pollen out of the air. If there is no precipitation, the pollen count could increase, which causes major problems for allergy sufferers.

Important therapeutic approaches

To counteract the symptoms, Katrin Milger-Kneidinger, pulmonologist at the LKH Graz, recommends local, anti-inflammatory therapy with nasal spray and asthma spray. These medications mostly contain inhaled cortisone and are crucial for treating asthma, which can lead to acute attacks if left untreated. The therapeutic approaches also include special immunotherapy, which is carried out over a period of up to three years in order to achieve a long-term effect. These measures are particularly important, especially as experts fear that the coming pollen seasons could be increased due to climate change orf.at reported.