As soon as the temperatures rise, the pollen starts flying again. For bikers who suffer from hay fever, the pollen count can really spoil the outdoor season. At least twelve per cent of the population suffer from a pollen allergy, other sources even speak of 20 per cent - and the trend is rising. Does this mean that affected bikers have to keep their feet still in spring? No, because allergy sufferers often have fewer symptoms when doing sport. The reason: during exercise, the immune system is shut down and so is its unnecessary defence against pollen. Unfortunately, these athletes are hit twice as hard after exercise: severe sneezing fits shake you when the immune system starts up again. What happens: Athletes inhale deeper and more frequently due to the physical exertion, so they inhale more pollen. As the pollen is only one to six hundredths of a millimetre in size, it gets deep into the lungs when inhaled. As little as 20 pollen per cubic metre of air can cause symptoms in pollen allergy sufferers. For comparison: inflorescences of widely used grasses release two to five million pollen.
We have put together a six-point plan to help you get through spring and the pollen count well and still be able to perform even when the pollen count is high. This will help you to cycle through the hay fever season with fewer symptoms.
Interview with sports scientist Clemens Hesse
BIKE: How can hay fever limit performance?
Clemens Hesse: Very considerably - I look after athletes who lose up to 20 per cent of their performance. In plain language, this means that racing or harder training sessions are hardly possible. In addition, regeneration is prolonged as the body is under double the stress.
Can the allergy also cause long-term damage?
Yes, because it can lead to a stage shift. Instead of just having itchy eyes or a runny nose, it can lead to asthma. Athletes should therefore talk to their doctor in detail and get the right treatment. Allergies should not be taken lightly, as it is not just a short-term restriction, but can cause long-term damage.
Does nutrition play a role?
Under certain circumstances, yes, because food can trigger a permanent inflammatory state. For some, a gluten-free diet helps, for others, cutting out dairy products. Just give it a try.
Hay fever: how to survive the pollen attack
Rain washes the air clean
Allergy sufferers benefit massively from rainfall, as it washes the pollen out of the air. So don't shy away from bad weather. Important: Wash splash-wet clothing immediately, as a lot of pollen can settle there and cause discomfort.
Pills
If you are taking antihystamines, pay attention to their duration of action. The effect of the pills should be timed so that they still work well during training times. But be careful: antihystamines can impair coordination. A study in the USA also found that many people self-medicate and take medication incorrectly. Sleep disorders and impaired mental abilities can be the result. Always ask your doctor first, do not experiment yourself!
Syringes and sprays
If nothing else helps, injections and sprays are injected and inhaled for severe allergy symptoms. Cortisone injections or sprays are used for allergies that can trigger asthma attacks. The cortisone depot, which is injected into the patient, provides relief from symptoms that works quickly and lasts for a long time. Sprays help in the short term if asthmatic attacks occur. However, these remedies should be used as a last resort and require medical advice.
Oils
In order to regulate the inflamed mucous membranes, an anti-inflammatory diet should be followed in the case of hay fever.
should be taken into account. Omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid play an important role in this. Therefore, eat plenty of fish and use black cumin oil.
The right timing
In larger cities, you should get on your bike between six and eight in the morning. This is when there is the lowest concentration of pollen in the air. The situation is different in the countryside: The least amount of pollen flies between 8 pm and midnight.
Showers and change of clothes
To avoid being knocked off your feet after a training session, you should change your clothes as soon as possible after sport. The best way to do this is to take off your cycling clothes before entering your living room so that the pollen does not spread further. Then take a good shower and wash your hair.
