Immunologist answers five questions about pollen allergies

A runny nose, a burning sensation in the eyes, and a general feeling of fatigue are just some of the issues that allergic people have to endure once winter has passed. Our colleagues from RTL spoke to Dr François Hentges, immunologist and allergologist at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), about what it means to be allergic to pollen.

Has the season become longer?

People who are allergic to pollen are in fact facing longer seasons, although they have become less severe than they used to be, explained Dr Hentges.

How many people are affected?

The number of people who suffer from pollen allergies is increasing, says Dr Hentges. According to the expert, close to 40% of Luxembourg's residents are affected.

Why are more and more people affected?

Dr Hentges explained that there are several reasons for why a growing number of people are suffering from allergies. One of them has to do with the fact that our lives are more "sterile" than they used to be. Another contributor is air pollution and a third factor is the use of cleaning agents.

How can the risk of developing an allergy be reduced?

According to Dr Hentges, children growing up with animals face a lower risk of developing an allergy as they are more regularly in contact with bacteria and viruses. Similarly, the risk decreases with the number of children living together in a home.

How can symptoms be mitigated?

People suffering from allergies are advised to not leave the house in the middle of the day when the pollen concentration is usually at its peak. When people return home in the evening, it is best to take a shower.

In case of severe allergies, people are further advised to refrain from doing intense workouts.