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Die Pollenallergie ist am häufigsten auftretende Allergie in Deutschland
March 18, 2026
Birgitta Dunckel
How can hay fever symptoms be alleviated? When is immunotherapy helpful – and what to do about pollen in the home? The best tips at a glance.
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With
Dr. med. Anette Zimpfer-Keese
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For many people, spring is the most beautiful season, but for some, the suffering season begins right now: eyes itch and water, one sneezing attack follows another, the nose is blocked or runny. Scratchy throat, itchy palate, cough irritation, and even flu-like symptoms – a pollen allergy can spoil the best spring mood.
Pollen allergy, colloquially known as hay fever, is the most common allergy in Germany. According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) from 2008 to 2011, nearly one-third of adults between the ages of 18 and 79 were diagnosed with an allergy, with hay fever being the most common. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), more than 15 percent of the population in Germany is now allergic to pollen – and the trend is rising.
An analysis by the Kaufmännische Krankenkasse shows that between 2011 and 2021, the number of affected individuals increased by 11.5 percent. Possible cause: Climate change influences pollen levels and thus the risk of hay fever.
Due to rising temperatures, the flowering period of plants begins earlier, for example, hazel now blooms a whole month earlier than it did in the 1950s. Another aspect: invasive plants, such as ragweed, extend the pollen season from August to October. The rest period for allergy sufferers is therefore getting shorter.
Your body is thus under constant stress with only a few months of respite each year. And plants, too, are under stress from climate change and pollution, ramp up their immune systems, and produce special proteins to protect themselves from negative environmental influences. However, people with a pollen allergy react particularly strongly to these proteins. Moreover, air pollution constantly irritates the mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to allergies. A vicious circle indeed.
"In any case, you should see a doctor if the symptoms do not subside despite allergy tablets or other antiallergic treatments. There are various symptoms that can lead to an allergic shock. In such cases, it is especially important to see a doctor or allergist to conduct allergy diagnostics and appropriate tests," explains Dr. Anette Zimpfer-Keese from Mannheim, who works in her own, owner-managed medical care center as a doctor, dermatologist, and allergist.
Dr. Anette Zimpfer-Keese
Which medications alleviate the symptoms? "Antiallergics, especially classic antihistamines. If it's known to be an allergy, there are various nasal sprays and eye drops that can also help. However, some of these preparations are not available on prescription," says Dr. Anette Zimpfer-Keese.
For many people, immunotherapy can alleviate suffering. "This is a big topic. I would like to address so-called desensitization. This is especially important for patients with severe hay fever, particularly if a so-called change of phases threatens. This means that the hay fever gradually spreads to the lungs and asthma can develop. In such cases, it is particularly important to carry out immunotherapy."
Birch pollen is considered particularly unpleasant in this country, produced in large numbers in spring and carried by the wind up to 300 kilometers. Hazel, alder, and grasses are also among the highly allergenic plants. For pollen allergy sufferers, it is generally helpful to regularly inform themselves about upcoming pollen flights. Information is provided by the pollen forecast of the German Weather Service and the pollen calendar of the German Pollen Information Service Foundation gives an overview of when certain pollen are in season throughout the year.
Rule of thumb: The less contact with pollen, the better. It is important to keep pollen out of the home and especially the bedroom as much as possible. Because they irritate the mucous membranes at night.
© Karolina Grabowska
Black seed oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic substances that can alleviate allergy symptoms.
The following home remedies help to alleviate the symptoms:
A daily nasal rinse with salt water cleanses the nasal mucosa of pollen and alleviates irritation. Dosage: 1 mg of salt per 100 milliliters of water.
If hay fever affects the eyes, causing them to itch and water, eyebright can help. Boil 300 milliliters of water with two teaspoons of eyebright and let it steep for five minutes. Soak cotton balls in the cooled infusion and place them on closed eyes for 15 minutes.
Black seed oil: Contains anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic substances that can alleviate allergy symptoms. Early use (three months before pollen season) of black seed oil is advisable to utilize its immune-supporting effect for prevention. Dose: about 1 teaspoon of oil per day.
The pollen season in Germany already begins in January/February with the hazel blossom – due to climate change even a whole month earlier than in the 1950s. Birch pollen typically flies from March to May, grasses from May to July. Introduced plants like ragweed extend the season until October.
For quick relief, antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops help. As an immediate measure at home: a nasal rinse with saltwater (1 g of salt per 100 ml of water), change clothes after being outdoors, and wash hair before going to bed. Sunglasses protect the eyes from direct pollen.
Yes. Untreated hay fever can spread to the lungs – doctors refer to this as a 'level shift.' According to Dr. Anette Zimpfer-Keese, immunotherapy (desensitization) is especially important if this transition threatens, to prevent the development of asthma.
During desensitization (immunotherapy), the immune system is gradually accustomed to the trigger, so that it reacts less strongly in the long term. It is especially recommended for severe hay fever and should be discussed with an allergist. The treatment usually lasts three years.
Birch pollen is considered particularly aggressive – it is produced in large quantities and can fly up to 300 kilometers. Also highly allergenic are hazel, alder, and grasses. The pollen forecast from the German Weather Service (DWD) provides daily information about current loads.
It's best to only open windows early in the morning or after rain when the pollen concentration is low. Special pollen filters for windows and cars also help. Change bed linen weekly, change clothes immediately after being outdoors, and do not dry laundry outdoors.
Proven remedies include: daily nasal rinses with salt water, eyebright compresses for itchy eyes, and black seed oil, which contains anti-inflammatory substances. Ideally, black seed oil should be started three months before the pollen season (about 1 teaspoon daily).
At the latest, when symptoms do not subside despite allergy tablets, the complaints worsen, or signs of an allergic shock occur. An allergist can perform a precise diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatments.
