Attention allergy sufferers: Grass and ragweed pollen is flying in Wesel today!

Attention allergy sufferers: Grass and ragweed pollen is flying in Wesel today!

Things are currently getting exciting in terms of pollen in Cologne air! As reported on September 20, 2025, pollen from grasses and the dreaded ragweed, also known as ragweed, are active in Wesel, just a stone's throw from Cologne. These pollens can cause real problems for allergy sufferers - sneezing, watery eyes and breathing problems are common companions. Given the weather conditions with light rain, moderate wind and temperatures around 25 °C, the pollen count in the region is quite different, as *news.de* reports.

Things are quite moderate in Wesel: alder, birch, rye and mugwort are pollen-free. The grasses, on the other hand, cause excitement with a low level of pollution, while ragweed ranges between no and a low level of pollution. Grass pollen is the main cause of hay fever in Central Europe, while the flowering period of grasses is from May to August. A real stroke of luck for allergy sufferers: According to current observations, the rain helps to wash pollen out of the air and alleviate symptoms.

Pollen risks and ragweed

The challenges posed by ragweed should not be underestimated. This plant has five times the allergy potential compared to grasses. The period of their flowering extends from July to October and the pollen residues can be spread until the first frost. What is particularly tricky is that a single plant produces thousands of seeds that can germinate for decades. Ambrosia pollen can not only trigger hay fever, but can also cause conjunctival irritation, allergic asthma and skin reactions, as the *Apotheken Umschau* shows.

Allergy sufferers who also react to common mugwort are particularly affected. Ambrosia is an immigrant troublemaker who has conquered Europe for the past 20 years, originally from North America. To control it, allergy sufferers should note that ragweed can be removed before it blooms, but a mask should be put on when it is already blooming. Otherwise, the allergenic pollen could easily be inhaled.

Symptoms and measures

Common symptoms of a ragweed allergy include a runny or stuffy nose, itching, and watery eyes. Anyone affected should not be afraid to undergo classic allergy diagnostics, which includes, among other things, anamnesis and skin tests. Allergy tablets, antihistamines and cortisone nasal sprays are available for treatment, report the experts from *My Allergy Portal*. To strengthen the nasal mucosa, air purifiers with HEPA filters and saline nasal rinses are recommended.

Sensitization rates to ragweed pollen range between 12 and 15 percent in Europe, while they are higher in North America. An additional challenge for many allergy sufferers: cross-allergies with composite plants such as chamomile and goldenrod can also occur, which makes the symptoms even worse.

The best strategy for allergy sufferers is to keep a close eye on pollen levels. If temperatures and weather conditions are conducive to pollen levels, it is recommended that outdoor activities be held in the early morning or evening. This means that leisure time can be enjoyable despite the pollen load, while air quality continues to be monitored.

Whether in Cologne or the surrounding area - it means always taking the right measures to survive the pollen season in the best possible way!

For up-to-date and detailed information on pollen levels, please refer to news.de, Pharmacy look around and My allergy portal be consulted.