This week, “survival” mode seems activated for millions of French people. Between temperatures worthy of a month of July often exceeding 30°C and concentrations of pollen that explode on France Pollens sensors, the daily life of allergy sufferers turns into an ordeal.
To make matters worse, ozone pollution is coming to the party in large cities such as Paris, Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg.
Heat, pollution and pollen: the infernal trio
The sun and strong heat not only boost morale, they also strongly encourage the emission and dispersion of pollen in the air. When pollution gets involved, the situation becomes critical. This phenomenon is not a simple impression: it is based on a double biological mechanism.
On the one hand, air pollution weakens our airways, allowing allergens to penetrate deeper into the lungs. On the other hand, it directly attacks pollen grains. Having become more fragile, they break easily and release a much larger quantity of allergenic proteins into the air. More aggressive pollen on more vulnerable organisms: the result is increased symptoms.
“It’s even the trio! Pollens, heat and pollution often aggravate allergic symptoms, because the heat encourages the emission of pollen and the pollution already irritates the mucous membranes, which makes them more reactive. Pollution can also modify the pollen grains and facilitate their deeper penetration into the respiratory tract” confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
Grasses, the undisputed (and feared) stars of the moment
If you’re wondering where this plant storm is coming from, turn to grasses. Lawns, fields, roadsides, public gardens or simple roundabouts… They are absolutely everywhere and release their particles in very large quantities, keeping the risk of allergy at a very high level.
The situation is not much better in the South: around the Mediterranean, it is the parietaria and olive trees which take advantage of this summer climate to gain strength, also displaying a maximum allergic risk.
This environmental aggression corresponds to a range of physical reactions that are well known but particularly intense this week. Dr. Gérald Kierzek reminds us of the signs that should alert us.
“The most common symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, red or itchy eyes, scratchy throat and sometimes coughing. In some people, especially those with asthma, this can trigger wheezing, shortness of breath or an asthma attack.”
How to reduce your daily exposure?
Faced with this offensive, the best weapon remains prevention and reduction of exposure to allergens. A few simple actions, repeated daily, allow you to effectively isolate yourself from this irritating cloud, whether inside your car or at home.
To get through this period without suffering too much, Dr Gérald Kierzek gives his practical advice:
- Ventilate at the least polluted times;
- Limit outings during heat or pollen peaks;
- Close the windows in the car;
- Rinse your hair in the evening;
- Avoid sports outside in the middle of the day;
- Drink enough;
- And protect the eyes and respiratory tract if necessary.
At home, we must also reduce irritants such as tobacco smoke and air that is too dry or too polluted.
Asthma and allergies: when should you worry?
For people with asthma, this time of year requires constant vigilance, as complications can be serious. Respiratory tracts already inflamed by asthma tolerate the combined attack of ozone and grasses very poorly.
“For an asthmatic, the most important thing is to avoid triggers: pollen, pollution, smoke, very hot air and intense efforts during peak periods. You must also take your basic treatment carefully, keep the emergency treatment with you and check with your doctor if an adjustment is necessary during the summer.” recommends Dr. Kierzek.
Beyond routine management, it is crucial to know how to identify the moment when the situation changes. Dr Gérald Kierzek emphasizes the importance of appropriate medical care and the signs of absolute emergency.
“It is essential to consult a general practitioner or an allergist if the symptoms last, interfere with sleep, resist usual treatments, or if the asthma is poorly controlled. The life risk exists especially in the event of a severe asthma attack with great difficulty breathing, bluish lips, discomfort or rapid worsening: in this case, you must call 15, 18 or 112.”