Pollen causes symptoms for 10–20% of Finns. The symptoms come in cycles and usually stop by the end of the allergy season.
In Finland, the most common plants that cause allergies are alder, birch, grasses, Artemisia, common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia).
Follow pollen forecasts on TV, in newspapers, and online.
The allergy season usually lasts from March to August. Pollen causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa and aggravates the symptoms of asthma.
Symptoms of pollen allergy include
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy and stuffy nose
- coughing
- asthma symptoms
- eye irritation, redness, itching, burning, and watering
- atopic dermatitis
- extreme fatigue.
You can relieve your symptoms with antihistamines and eye drops, nasal sprays, and desensitisation.
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How to reduce pollen exposure
- Follow pollen forecasts. Tree pollen count is at its highest in the afternoon. Artemisia pollen count is at its highest in the morning and noon.
- Rain clears the air. Dry, windy weather increases the amount of pollen in the air.
- Eliminate all mugworts from your yard before they flower.
- Avoid opening the windows during the worst allergy season. Get filter fabrics for your ventilation windows.
- Don’t dry laundry outdoors during the worst allergy season.
- Reduce the amount of pollen indoors by cleaning every week and changing the bedding. In dry indoor air, pollen can remain active throughout the year.
- Remove dust with a damp cloth or a microfibre cloth.
- Design the interior of your home so that it is easy to clean. Use smooth, easy-care materials at home. Avoid interior fabrics and materials that collect dust.