Forecast

Days of heat and thunderstorms, fungal spores and grasses continue to be a burden!

The weather forecast for Vienna promises us heat and thunderstorms over the next few days. During a thunderstorm, the sudden changes in humidity and air pressure can cause pollen to split into tiny particles. These can penetrate deep into the lungs. This can trigger severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks - a phenomenon known as thunderstorm asthma. Even though rain usually brings short-term relief, allergy sufferers should stay indoors during thunderstorms and keep the windows closed to minimise the risk.

The period of highest grass pollen load is over. Moderate pollen concentrations of grasses are expected in the coming days. Even walks through the Vienna Woods or in the higher altitudes of the Alps will hardly bring any relief, as a wide variety of grass species are currently in bloom there too. The first cereal fields are already being threshed. People who are sensitised to grasses should avoid the area around these fields during the harvest.

In hot and dry weather, the pollen of dock and plantain flies intensively, which leads to additional allergic stress. Stinging nettles also bloom and their pollen can irritate sensitised people.

The first specimens of mugwort are blooming in and around Vienna; it will be another one to two weeks before the flowers are in full bloom. Allergy sufferers who are sensitised to mugwort should avoid typical locations with dense stands, for example dry grassland, field edges or next to road verges.

The heyday of sweet chestnut, privet and lime trees is over in Vienna. Although sweet chest nut is classified as a low allergen, cross-reactions can often occur due to structural similarities between its main allergen and that of birch. From an allergological point of view, lime pollen is only of minor relevance, but its intense flower scent can cause irritation in sensitive people. People who are sensitised to the pollen of olive trees should avoid the immediate vicinity of privet bushes.

The neophyte tree of heaven, originally from South-East Asia, blooms along railway embankments or in parks. Not much is yet known about its allergenic potential, but allergic skin reactions have already been documented.

Moderate to high concentrations of fungal spores can be reached this week. Particularly high levels are reached in the vicinity of grain fields that are being threshed. These areas should be avoided by sensitised persons. A sharp increase in fungal spore concentrations is also possible after precipitation.

Other types of pollen in the ambient air: umbellifers, goosefoot and buttercup plants as well as clove plants, sour grasses and cypress plants. These are of minor allergological importance.