Allergy season calendar: pollen, ragweed and salt climate all year round

Many people think allergy season starts in spring and ends in summer. In fact, in Hungary the first pollen can appear as early as January, and because of ragweed, early autumn is the hardest time of year. In this calendar we go through what to expect and when, and what you can do in each period.

January–March: trees start the season

After a mild winter, hazel and alder can flower as early as late January or February, followed in March by ash, maple and poplar. Because of climate change, the season starts earlier and lasts longer.

Tip: if you know what you are allergic to, discuss with your doctor before the season when to start preventive medication. Many products work best if they are started before pollen release begins.

April–May: birch and the spring peak

Birch pollen is one of the strongest spring allergens. At this time, many allergy sufferers feel that "everything" itches. Because of the nice weather we spend more time outdoors, which further increases pollen exposure.

May–July: grass season

The flowering of grasses peaks in early summer. Mowing, hiking and outdoor sports can be particularly hard on people sensitive to grass pollen.

Late July–October: ragweed season

Hungary's "allergy high season". Ragweed releases pollen from the second half of July until mid-October, usually peaking in the second half of August and early September. In autumn, mould spores join in too, multiplying in damp, fallen leaves.

In autumn, staying indoors does not solve everything either: heating dries the air, which can irritate the lining of the nose and throat on its own.

November–December: a break, but not for everyone

Pollen disappears, but year-round allergens (dust mites, mould, animal dander) can actually get worse indoors at this time, since we spend more time inside and air our homes less often.

General tips for pollen season

• Follow the daily pollen forecast (in Hungary, for example, the forecasts published by NNGYK).
• Air your home early in the morning or after rain, when pollen levels are lower.
• Change clothes when you get home, and shower and wash your hair in the evening.
• Do not dry laundry outdoors.
• Use a pollen filter in the car and keep the windows closed.
• Wearing sunglasses reduces the amount of pollen getting into your eyes.
• Regular saltwater nasal rinsing helps wash out pollen that has got into your nose.

The role of a salt climate during allergy season

Many allergy sufferers enjoy spending time in a salt climate: a closed, low-pollen room where a salt generator disperses fine, dry salt particles into the air. Users often report easier breathing and pleasant, clean air. However, it is important to know that:

• large, reliable studies have not confirmed the effect of salt therapy on allergies,
• a salt climate does not eliminate the allergy, and does not replace treatment recommended by a doctor,
• antihistamines and nasal sprays should still be used as recommended by your doctor alongside salt therapy.

Anyone who enjoys it can use a salt climate as a complementary option throughout the season, either as a course or at home with a family salt generator. Read more: Allergy and salt therapy: realistic expectations.

When to see a doctor

• if symptoms interfere with sleep, work or study,
• if over-the-counter products do not help,
• if coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulty also occurs, as this may indicate allergic asthma.

This article is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. AREC salt generators are not medical devices.