Allergy calendar: when are you most at risk?

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an excessive reaction by the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people: an allergen (pollen, dust mites, food, animal dander, etc.).

When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system wrongly identifies it as a threat; consequently, specialised cells (mast cells) release histamine.

This substance acts like a chemical messenger, causing blood vessels to dilate, increasing their permeability and stimulating nerve endings.

The result: a runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin and increased sneezing – all typical signs of an allergic reaction.

Not all allergies manifest themselves in the same way. A general distinction is made between:

• respiratory allergies, the most common, triggered by pollen, dust mites or moulds
• food allergies, linked to the consumption of certain foods such as peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish
• skin allergies, which mainly involve reactions of the skin, such as eczema or contact dermatitis

While some allergies can cause problems throughout the year, when exposure to the allergen is constant, others follow a clearly marked seasonal pattern, directly linked to pollination periods.

It is precisely for these seasonal allergies that the allergy calendar is a key tool: it allows you to see, month by month, the allergens most present in the air and to better understand when exposure is highest.

Allergy calendar: seasonal benchmarks in temperate climates (Western Europe)

Tree pollens in spring, grasses in summer and weeds in late summer and autumn – the allergy calendar provides a clear indication of when each allergen is most active.

Legend:
Possible presence / usual period
Absence or low presence

Why are allergies seasonal?

Allergy periods are closely linked to the pollination cycle of plants: each species releases its pollen at a specific time of year.

However, several environmental factors can affect this exposure: temperature, wind, humidity and atmospheric pollution, all of which influence the dispersal of pollen and its potential to cause irritation.

In recent years, observations have shown a trend towards longer pollen seasons: some pollens appear earlier in the spring and persist later in the year.

As a result, for some people, the period of discomfort can now extend over several months, making it more important than ever to anticipate and monitor the allergy calendar.

A calendar that can vary according to region and allergen

Some allergens, such as house dust mites, moulds and pet dander, can cause symptoms throughout the year, sometimes with peaks in autumn and winter, when homes are less ventilated.

The seasonality of allergies also varies according to geographical area:

• in Mediterranean regions, certain pollination periods may begin earlier in the year
• in northern areas or in North America, the pollen seasons may be shorter or more staggered

How can you prepare for allergy season?

When it comes to seasonal allergies, anticipation often makes the difference. Waiting for symptoms to appear leaves little room for manoeuvre; however, taking preventative action beforehand can help you get through sensitive periods with greater ease.

Once integrated into your daily routine, a few practical measures can significantly help to limit exposure to allergens:

• ventilate at optimal times: early in the morning or at the end of the day, when pollen concentrations in the air are generally lower
• wash your hair in the evening to remove pollen accumulated throughout the day
• avoid drying clothes outside during periods of heavy pollination
• use appropriate filtration systems, such as vacuum cleaners fitted with HEPA filters or, if necessary, air purifiers
• check the pollen bulletins regularly to adapt your outdoor activities and habits

In addition to these practical measures, you can also plan ahead, before the seasonal peak arrives.

Food supplements and allergies: what's the potential benefit?

In addition to these day-to-day adjustments, some people are also interested in the potential impact of certain compounds on the normal functioning of the immune system and on the way the body responds to environmental factors (1–3).

Without replacing environmental measures, this approach primarily aims to support the body's normal functioning.

The substances studied include:

• spirulina, studied for its potential biological effects on certain markers linked to inflammation and immunity (4–5)
• bromelain, studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects (6)
• quercetin, studied for its potential effects on inflammation and certain immune response mechanisms (7)
• specific plant extracts such as Astragalus membranaceus, a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, often presented as an 'adaptogen' (8)

With this in mind, some formulas combine several of these nutrients to support the body during periods of heightened sensitivity, as a complement to a healthy lifestyle.

Discover Aller Fight, a synergistic formula designed to support the normal functioning of the immune system and help the body cope with seasonal challenges.