Times Are Getting Tougher For People With Pollen Allergies

The 2026 pollen season is already in full swing. According to the pollen calendar, hay fever sufferers should prepare themselves for increasingly intense and prolonged seasons in the future.

The data shows that pollen season now occurs in nearly every season. It is no longer merely a “spring problem.” The period during which nature releases billions of pollen grains into the air typically lasts from March through October. This year, pollen was in the air particularly early, starting as early as the beginning of February.

Pollen allergy (hay fever, allergic rhinitis, seasonal rhinitis), a predisposition to which is often hereditary, is a reaction to one or more types of pollen. It is a reaction of the immune system to proteins contained in the pollen that are harmless in themselves. Inhalation or direct contact causes the release of histamine and other substances in people with allergies, which are responsible for the typical symptoms.

Since different plants produce different types of pollen containing different proteins, not everyone reacts to the same pollen with the same intensity. Possible symptoms of an allergic reaction include sneezing fits, a runny or stuffy nose, irritated eyes, and a tickling sensation in the throat, nose, or ears. A doctor can determine exactly which types of pollen you are allergic to through testing.

Global warming is prolonging the pollen season

“Pollen levels are currently very high,” confirms Prof. Dr. Karin Hartmann, deputy chief of dermatology and head of the Allergy Clinic at the University of Basel. “Winters are getting warmer, which is extending the pollen season.” For allergy sufferers, this means increasingly longer periods of these unpleasant symptoms.

Hazel, alder, and birch trees kick off the pollen season. These early bloomers are usually most active in March and April, but they can also start earlier, as is the case this year. Birch trees, in particular, become increasingly active from late March through April. It is considered one of the most aggressive sources of pollen and causes particularly severe symptoms in many people. May through July is peak season for grasses—the most intense phase for many sufferers. Grass pollen is widespread and remains active throughout the early summer.

From June through August, mugwort adds to the pollen burden. This herb is a well-known trigger of allergic reactions during the hottest part of the year. From August through October, ragweed extends the pollen season. By the end of summer and into early fall, ragweed brings the season to a close. This highly invasive plant (also known as ragweed) from the Asteraceae family can even extend the hay fever season for sufferers well into October. As a result, the burden on allergy sufferers now extends across nearly the entire year.

Quick first-aid measures

Antihistaminika sind Medikamente in Form von Tabletten, Augentropfen oder Nasensprays, die die Wirkung des Histamins blockieren.. Kortisonhaltige Nasensprays wirken besonders stark entzündungshemmend. Die wichtigsten Wirkstoffgruppen sind Antihistaminika, Kortikosteroide (Kortisonpräparate), Leukotrienantagonisten und Mastzellstabilisatoren.

Antihistamines are medications available as tablets, eye drops, or nasal sprays that block the effects of histamine. Nasal sprays containing cortisone have a particularly strong anti-inflammatory effect. The main groups of active ingredients are antihistamines, corticosteroids (cortisone preparations), leukotriene antagonists, and mast cell stabilizers.

To keep pollen levels low at least inside your home, keep the windows closed when pollen counts are high. In the city, it’s best to air out briefly in the morning; in the countryside, do so in the evening. Take advantage of long periods of rain to air out thoroughly, or install pollen screens on the windows. Do not let laundry dry outdoors.

Wear sunglasses and, if necessary, a protective mask when outdoors. A pollen filter can help in the car. If you experience pollen cross-reactions, avoid foods you are intolerant to. Also avoid tobacco smoke (active or passive smoking) as much as possible, since the constant irritation of the airways caused by smoke further increases the sensitivity of the mucous membranes to pollen.

It is recommended to wash your hair before going to bed to avoid inhaling pollen at night as well. Rinse your nose with a seawater spray or saline solution. It is best to change out of your street clothes in the evening outside the bedroom, and do not store the clothes you wore outside in the room where you sleep. Also helpful: Place a good air purifier in the bedroom.

Long-term approaches

Hyposensitization (allergen immunotherapy or desensitization) administered by a doctor is one such long-term treatment. However, it requires patience, as this specific immunotherapy typically spans a period of three years. During this time, the body is gradually acclimated to the allergen in order to curb the excessive reaction. Hyposensitization for allergies is considered highly effective. However, it does not work permanently for everyone, nor does it work for every type of allergy.

The allergist has two options for administering the allergen:
> SCIT (injection) is administered by the doctor into the upper arm. Initially weekly, later at maintenance intervals of 4–6 weeks.
> SLIT (tablets/drops) is administered daily in the form of fast-dissolving tablets or drops under the tongue (sublingually) and can be conveniently administered at home.

The cost of sublingual immunotherapy ranges from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 euros. If medically necessary, the cost is covered by both public and private health insurance plans. To date, it remains the only available causal treatment for pollen allergies. Certain forms of complementary medicine can also successfully alleviate symptoms. In any case, a consultation with a doctor is recommended to discuss the most appropriate treatment options for each individual situation.

For more information and the complete 2026 pollen calendar, visit Allergiecheck . Allergiecheck is a leading information portal specializing in educating and supporting people with allergies. With reliable data and the annual pollen calendar, the platform helps those affected better understand their symptoms and make daily life worth living despite allergies.

You can also find out about weekly pollen counts from the Stiftung Deutsche Polleninformationsdienst (PID). For more than 40 years, this service has provided important information on pollen counts and pollen allergies in Germany. The information is based on sound scientific research and pollen count data from more than 30 monitoring stations across a nationwide network.