Two months pollen-free

Many people in Carinthia suffer from pollen allergies

The hazelnut pollen flight has begun.

February 20th is International Allergy Day. In Carinthia, many people suffer from pollen allergies, currently caused by hazelnut pollen and gray alder. It is getting warmer and warmer, only two months of the year are pollen-free.

"20 percent of Carinthians are allergy sufferers, twelve percent of whom have a pollen allergy," reports Helmut Zwander, head of the pollen warning service.

This has been in place in Klagenfurt since 1980, when the measuring devices were only set up at the beginning of March. "It's unthinkable nowadays, because now it starts as early as January," says Zwander. "Only October and November are completely pollen-free. Not even December, when the trees are already in bloom."

Only two months pollen-free
Two components are responsible for a pollen allergy. The flowering phase and the dusting phase. Hazelnut and gray alder are now beginning their mass dusting. "There are 400 to 500 pollen grains per cubic meter in the air, and you have to blow your nose from 50. Highly sensitive allergy sufferers need to blow their nose from 15 pollen grains per cubic meter."

Helmut Zwander is the head of the pollen warning service.

(Bild: Rojsek-Wiedergut Uta)

Times are getting tough for many pollen allergy sufferers.

(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

The purple alder is also popular and grows everywhere in Klagenfurt on Völkermarkter Strasse and St. Veiter Strasse. "On Magdalensberg, it has been blooming since mid-December. Pollen release begins at seven or eight degrees below zero."

Grass allergy is particularly bad
The next danger is the black alder, which is the most common alder flower in Carinthia, especially in central and eastern Carinthia. The pollution is lower in the forests, according to measuring stations." Such as in 2023, which was a strong pollen year.

Tips for allergy sufferers

• Keep pollen out of the bedroom.
• Change bed linen weekly.
• A pollen screen by the window is advisable.
• Hats are recommended for men and women so that the pollen gets caught in them.
• Wipe furniture surfaces with a damp cloth.
• Do not hang laundry outside.
• Airing rooms in the morning is best, as there is no pollen count in the morning.
• Replace pollen filters in cars every year.
• Natural remedies are also suitable as medication.

Zwander: "A medium load is expected this year." Incidentally, most people are affected by grass allergies, which start at the beginning of May.

"The flower catkins are in full bloom and the first allergy sufferers are now coming for treatment," confirms ENT specialist Heinz Herbst.