Graspollen season has started, says Sciensano

In recent days, Sciensano has measured the first raised concentrations of grass pollen. This means that allergy patients run a higher risk of symptoms for the next two to three months. Usually these are itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, a stuffy or running nose, breathing problems and loss of odor and taste.

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Sciensano also warns that the peak is not yet in sight. The highest values ​​are usually measured until June. « It is important to know that grass pollen can spread over hundreds of kilometers through the wind, so that even areas with little grass can still experience high exposure, » says the Health Institute. New research has also shown that nitrogen pollution to higher pollen production And therefore leads stronger allergic reactions. « It is therefore important that allergic patients follow their basic treatment as recommended by their allergist, » said the experts. « Asthma patients should certainly not interrupt their treatment. »

A number of tips for those who suffer from allergy: wear a mouth mask, clean the nose regularly, wear sunglasses, was regularly your hair, do not let the laundry dry outside and avoid physical outdoor activities, especially when it is dry.

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The hay fever season runs from May to July due to the successive flowering of more than a hundred grass species in that period. At least one in six people in Belgium is allergic to grass pollen.