Everyday tips for allergy sufferers

Larger quantities of pollen may be released during the morning hours. In urban areas, pollen tends to sink from higher up in the air and cause higher pollen concentrations towards the evening.

Higher levels of air pollution, for example close to busy roads or in high-pressure weather systems, can also increase the allergenicity of pollen and intensify allergic symptoms.

Sufferers are often advised to open the windows in the evening if they live in the country and in the morning if they live in the city. However, this is only a general guideline, since it is not always possible to distinguish clearly between the two, and the wind, the weather and the sufferer's immediate surroundings are also contributing factors.

The following tips may help even allergy sufferers feel better throughout the day:

Ideally, people with pollen allergies should travel to pollen-free regions during the pollen season. Low pollen counts are most likely to be found on islands, near the sea or high up in the mountains.

Pay attention to the pollen forecast (radio, telephone services).

Pollen calendars and the TK-AllergyApp "Husteblume" provide information about when each type of pollen is in season.

Plan leisure activities carefully: in rural areas, the pollen count is highest early in the morning, while urban areas see peak pollen counts in the evening.

Wipe furniture frequently with a damp cloth.

Don't dry your laundry outdoors.

Change your bed linen frequently.

Close the windows and switch off the ventilation system when driving; install special pollen filters and replace them regularly. You should also keep the windows closed when travelling by train.

Wash your hair in the evening or brush it vigorously so that no pollen gets into your bed.

Leave your clothing outside your bedroom.

Keep the window closed while you are asleep.

If you can, wash your hair before going to bed and put your outdoor clothing outside your bedroom so that the pollen does not get into your bed.

One useful measure you can take in addition to your medical treatment is to rinse your nose with isotonic saline solution. This natural method has been proven to reduce the amount of anti-allergy medication sufferers need to take.