18.08.2025
Allergies are among the most common chronic diseases – pollen can be a
serious trigger, especially for people with asthma. Seasonal
allergies change throughout the year: tree, grass and weed pollen
appear at different times, yet symptoms such as a runny nose, watery
eyes, sneezing and blocked sinuses remain the same. This article shows
you when which pollen are in the air and gives you tips on how to use
our asthma app to respond early and reduce your symptoms.
Do you want to get your allergy symptoms under control?
Download the Breathment app now and see which pollen make your
symptoms worse. This way you’ll recognize patterns, plan your
day with low pollen and can act quickly in an emergency.
Spring – tree and shrub pollen
The pollen season starts early in the year. In Germany, hazel and
alder blossom as early as March; from May, birch, grasses and
cereals follow, causing discomfort until late summer. It’s similar
internationally: trees produce most pollen from February to April,
grasses follow from April. Wind-pollinated tree and shrub pollen are
tiny, light and can be carried for kilometers.
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Use a pollen or weather calendar to identify high-load days in
advance. Pollen calendars help you postpone activities to rainy
days and avoid trips to areas with lots of pollen.
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Plan walks after rainfall and in the early morning or late evening
when pollen concentrations are lower.
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For the home, a HEPA-filter air purifier is recommended to keep
indoor air clean.
Summer – grasses, cereals and insects
From late spring to mid-summer, pollen from grasses and cereals
dominates. Grass pollen causes most discomfort from April to early
June. Later in summer, weed pollen such as ragweed (Ambrosia) and
mugwort follow. Not only pollen but also insect bites can trigger
allergic reactions in summer, as mosquitoes, wasps and bees are
particularly active now.
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Avoid freshly mown meadows and jog near bodies of water or in the
forest, where pollen concentrations are lower.
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Wear sunglasses and a hat; long clothing prevents pollen from
settling in your hair and on your skin.
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Don’t forget protection against insects – mosquito nets, repellents
and closed shoes reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Autumn – herb pollen and mold
Allergy sufferers are not safe in autumn either: herb pollen such as
mugwort and ragweed fly until the first frost. In Germany, the main
burden starts in late summer. Damp leaves and rotting wood stacks also
promote the growth of molds, whose spores can trigger allergic
reactions.
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Remove leaves regularly to prevent mold.
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Wear a mask against pollen if necessary; change clothes and shower
after activities outdoors.
Winter – when indoor allergens dominate
In winter, it’s mainly house dust mites, mold and animal hair that
trigger allergies and asthma-like reactions. These allergens thrive in
warm, humid rooms; dark areas such as cellars or bathrooms are also
susceptible.
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Keep the humidity in your home between 40–50%.
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Wash bedding weekly at 60 °C and use dust-mite-proof covers.
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Vacuum regularly and air briefly but intensively to prevent mold.
