(Drammens Tidende) DRAMMEN: The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF) warned of extreme spread of birch pollen on Saturday. Monday is also bad news for those with pollen allergies.
Both NAAF and the Meteorological Institute report that there is a strong spread of birch pollen in Drammen and the rest of Eastern Norway.
The birch emits large amounts of pollen, and therefore causes a lot of trouble. For many, birch is the only type of tree that causes allergy symptoms, the allergy association writes on its website.
Senior advisor for health and public relations Anna Bistrup at NAAF said before the weekend that it is a shame that there will be such an extreme spread now that the spring weather has finally set in full force, and many people want to go out and enjoy themselves at the weekend. She makes a strong appeal:
– It has rarely been more important to have the right medication than now.
– It makes sense to stay indoors
The Directorate for Medical Products writes on Helsenorge that there are a number of medicines that both prevent and relieve symptoms of pollen allergy. If you are in doubt about what to choose, the directorate recommends contacting a doctor or pharmacist at the pharmacy.
Symptoms of pollen allergy can be:
- Runny, itchy and stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery, itchy, red and swollen eyes
- You breathe more through your mouth. This can trigger or worsen asthma
- Fatigue and reduced ability to concentrate and learn
Medicines are available in the form of tablets, eye drops, nasal sprays. The doctor can also write out prescriptions for cortisone treatment if the usual treatment has limited effect.
– During periods of large pollen emissions, it may make sense to stay indoors during the day, writes the directorate further.
As a curiosity, the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association reports that birch pollen is spread by the wind over large areas, especially in good weather and south-easterly winds. The problems you experience can come with a foreign “passport”:
– We can experience remote transmission all the way from Russia, the association writes on its pages.
NAAF estimates that approximately 20 per cent of the population has a pollen allergy, and the proportion is increasing. Given a fairly even distribution in the country, this means that many thousands of Drammen are heading for a troublesome weekend.
Alcohol can make it worse
If the heat and sun invite you to a beer outside or a glass of wine in fine weather, according to the Asthma and Allergy Association, it may be a good idea to think twice if you are allergic to pollen.
The association writes that it is claimed that alcohol can both intensify and trigger allergic reactions, both because some alcoholic beverages contain histamine, and that blood vessels react to alcohol by dilating.
– If you already have allergy symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, you may find that this gets worse. Pollen allergy sufferers in particular may experience a worsening of alcohol during the pollen season, writes the association.
Ten tips for you with a pollen allergy
The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association has drawn up the “pollen control rules”:
1: Follow the pollen warning from the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association. Take medicine according to your doctor’s instructions. Start in time before the symptoms become too strong. The medicines must be taken regularly, even if on certain days you have few or no complaints.
2: Take into account your own general condition. It’s normal to feel down during pollen season. Be careful with strenuous exercise outdoors. Be aware of possible cross-reactions from fruit and vegetables. Alcohol consumption can worsen the symptoms.
3: Wash your face and hands when you have been outside. Rinse your hair and change your pillowcase before bedtime. Covering your hair and wearing sunglasses outside helps.
4: Avoid aeration when the pollen emission is greatest, from morning until late in the afternoon. On days with fine and warm weather, there will also be a lot of pollen in the evening. Air late at night or overnight into early morning. Dry clothes inside.
5: Extra cleaning can reduce the amount of pollen particles that stick to surfaces and in textiles. Pollen also attaches easily to dust and is swirled up.
6: Change filters in ventilation systems before and after the pollen season. Keep the car’s doors, sunroof and windows closed, check if you need to change the pollen filter in the car.
7: Pollen sticks to the fur of pets. Showering or brushing the coat helps, but do this outdoors.
8: Inform your circle of friends and employer about your pollen allergy so that they understand, can take account and make arrangements. Students can apply for an extended exam time.
9: Take a vacation from the pollen spread/pollen problems – high in the mountains, along the coast, or abroad where the spread may be smaller.
10: Pollen mask which covers the nose and mouth reduces inhalation of pollen.
Tags: rarely important medication
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