“Allergies almost all year round”: Gersois do not avoid exposure to pollen

Runny nose, sore throat, irritation in the eyes… With spring, allergy symptoms appear again in the department. Gers is listed in red on the predicted health effects of pollen map published by the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA).

“Now there are allergies almost all year round,” notes a pharmacist from Auscitan. And this phenomenon seems to be affecting more and more people. “He, like Gers’ general practitioners, noted an increase in requests and consultations in the almost summer period of recent weeks.

A growing phenomenon

“People come to us for medicine,” explains the GP. We don’t have many birches in Gers, but there is no shortage of herbs and oaks! And they are also allergenic, albeit more moderate. »

And the combination of pollen from different allergenic plant species can lead to a significant increase in the risk of allergies. “Global warming is the reason for this increase in allergies,” says the doctor. Pollution also seems to play a role in this. Pollen appears earlier, longer and is more aggressive. »

Serum, Ventolin and antihistamines

Sycamore, cypress, oak or ash, willow, poplar or hornbeam cause many problems for people who were previously unaware of allergies. The pollen of plantain, sorrel, parietaria and especially wormwood did not stand aside. “A year ago I started having reactions in my eyes,” says Sylvie, whom we met at the pharmacy while she was buying eye drops to relieve redness. I was told it was due to pollen, but I didn’t move and nothing changed around my house. »

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Five steps to take to protect yourself from pollen allergies

The doctor advised her to wash her hair in the evening, ventilate the house during hours without sunlight, not dry clothes outside and keep the car windows closed. The pharmacist who delivers his products also suggests that he prepare the ground. “We can strengthen our immune defenses to avoid more serious attacks: probiotics, zinc, etc.”

Selena has the same clinical picture. “The first summer after Covid, I started showing symptoms in early spring. The doctor told me it was an allergy. The pharmacy gave me saline solution, but it was not enough. Today, when it appeared, I am taking Ventolin and antihistamines! I pick up the phone, but it makes it easier. »

Continued drops in temperatures and expected rain in the coming days should help reduce pollen levels in the air. But beware of the gaps in the clouds! During periods of sunshine between showers, pollen concentrations may temporarily increase.