Forecast

Hot days and rolling thunder, fungal spores and grasses are the main allergens!

In the coming days, thunderstorms will fall over Lower Austria and it will remain hot. During thunderstorms, sudden changes in humidity and air pressure can cause pollen grains to burst open and the resulting particles to penetrate deeper 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 peak of grass pollen exposure is behind us. Sensitised people should continue to expect moderate exposure. The first cereal fields are being threshed. Grass pollen allergy sufferers should avoid the area around them during the harvest.

Plantain and dock dust intensively on dry and hot days and cause additional stress. Stinging nettles also bloom and their pollen can irritate sensitised people.

Flowering mugwort has been sighted in the Danube region, the Weinviertel and the Industrieviertel. There are currently only a few specimens and 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, such as dry grassland, field edges or next to road verges.

In Lower Austria, lime trees and privet have already passed the peak of their bloom. Although lime pollen is of little relevance from an allergological point of view, the scent of the flowers can cause irritation in sensitive people. Privet is important for people who are sensitised to olive trees, as this plant species can trigger allergies.

The tree of heaven, which originates from Asia, continues to flower. Not much is yet known about its allergen potential, but allergic skin reactions have already been documented.

We expect moderately high concentrations of fungal spores in the coming days. People who are sensitised to fungal spores should avoid the vicinity of grain fields that are currently being threshed. There are large quantities of fungal spores in the dust stirred up during this process. A sharp increase in fungal spore concentrations is also possible after rainfall.

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