What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are allergic reactions that occur during specific periods of the year. These allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that float in the air.
Unlike allergies to dust mites or pets, which can occur year-round, seasonal allergies are predictable and cyclical. This makes it possible to prepare for them and take preventive measures.
The Dutch pollen season
In the Netherlands, the pollen season has different phases, depending on the type of plant and weather conditions:
Early spring (February-April)
Trees: Alder, hazel, birch, willow and poplar
Late spring/summer (May-August)
Grasses: Timothy grass, ryegrass, cocksfoot and meadow grass
Late summer/autumn (August-October)
Weeds: Mugwort, plantain and nettle
Winter (November-January)
Rest period: Little pollen in the air
Common symptoms
Seasonal allergies can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe:
Nose and throat symptoms:
- Stuffy nose or runny nose
- Sneezing (often in attacks)
- Itchy nose and throat
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing
Eye symptoms:
- Itchy, red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Burning sensation
- Sensitivity to light
⚠️ Severe symptoms (medical help needed):
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Swelling of face, lips or tongue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
Preventive measures
Although you cannot completely prevent seasonal allergies, there are various strategies to reduce your exposure to pollen and minimize symptoms:
Indoor measures:
- Keep windows and doors closed during peak hours (early morning and late afternoon)
- Use air conditioning with HEPA filters
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter
- Wash bedding more often during pollen season
- Shower and wash your hair before going to bed
- Avoid drying laundry outside
Outdoor measures:
- Check the pollen forecast daily
- Plan outdoor activities outside peak hours
- Wear sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes
- Avoid mowing grass or gardening during peak hours
- Consider wearing a face mask during high pollen concentrations
Treatment options
There are various treatment options available for seasonal allergies, depending on the severity of your symptoms:
Self-care medication:
- Antihistamines (tablets, nasal sprays)
- Decongestants (nasal sprays, tablets)
- Eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis
- Saline nasal sprays
Medical treatments:
- Immunotherapy (allergy injections)
- Sublingual immunotherapy (tablets)
- Prescription medication
- Nasal corticosteroids
💡 Pro tip:
Start with antihistamines 1-2 weeks before the expected start of your allergy season. This can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms.
The importance of tracking
Tracking your seasonal allergy symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and prevention:
Pattern Recognition
Identify which pollen affects you most and when your symptoms are worst.
Treatment effectiveness
Monitor how well your medication works and when you need to adjust your treatment.
By consistently tracking your symptoms with an app like Daily Symptom, you can make better decisions about your treatment and lifestyle.
When to see a doctor?
Consult a doctor if your seasonal allergies:
- Seriously disrupt your daily life
- Do not improve with over-the-counter medication
- Cause complications such as sinusitis or ear infections
- Worsen or cause asthma
- Develop new or unusual symptoms
- Persist longer than 2 weeks without improvement
An allergist can perform comprehensive tests to identify your specific triggers and create a personalized treatment plan, including immunotherapy if necessary.
Conclusion
Seasonal allergies are a common problem that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. By understanding your triggers, taking preventive measures and consistently tracking your symptoms, you can regain control over your allergies.
Remember that each person reacts differently to pollen, so what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different strategies and work with your doctor to find the best approach for you.