A difficult start to the week for allergy sufferers. Temperatures that began rising over the weekend continue to rise, resulting in an explosion in pollen concentrations from grasses that bloom from April to August. The National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) on Monday 24 June classifies almost all departments as red, which is synonymous with a high risk of allergies. In the rest, yellow ones, the risk of allergies is average.
“Allergy sufferers are currently concerned about flowering herbs,” explains Samuel Monnier of the RNSA to Le Parisien newspaper. Timothy, bluegrass, cocksfoot, fescue, rye, oats, wheat… these grasses are present on roadsides, roundabouts or in parks and gardens.
They are characterized by a high allergenic potential, causing irritating symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and difficulty breathing (eg asthma attacks). “Even if our concentrations are not too high, allergy sufferers are still concerned,” he emphasizes.
Pollen concentration increases with increasing temperature.
This week’s weather conditions, namely summer weather, will not help those who are most sensitive to herbs. “We see an increase in pollen concentrations as soon as temperatures rise and the weather becomes dry, as it has this week,” continues Samuel Monnier. A light wind is enough to disperse them.
Conversely, as soon as it rains, pollen settles on the ground. Allergy sufferers will have to wait at least until Thursday before further deterioration is likely to occur, leading to a decrease in the allergenic power of the herbs.
With storms arriving in some departments midweek, “also be aware of the risk of storm asthma”, warns the RNSA. Stormy weather and heat increase the concentration of pollen near the ground, which bursts when waterlogged. Small allergen particles can then travel deeper into the lungs and cause severe breathing difficulties.
“Last year in the Ile-de-France there was a peak in hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks,” recalls Samuel Monnier, who insists on remaining vigilant just before severe storms by closing windows, staying home and closely monitoring treatment.
In addition to pollen forecasts from the RNSA, apps like France Pollens give you daily updates on pollen and air pollution levels, as well as personalized recommendations for better allergy control.
Source: Le Parisien
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