Pollen: how to practice physical activity outdoors at the peak of allergy risk ?

Allergie au pollen : comment faire (quand même) du sport ?

Le printemps va souvent de paire avec la reprise d’activités physiques en extérieur. Mais il s’accompagne aussi du retour des pollens qui compliquent la pratique sportive. Voici donc quelques conseils pour limiter le risque de manifestations allergiques.

One in four French people suffer from allergic rhinitis, in other words, hay fever. The result: a blocked nose, sneezing attacks, red, itchy or watery eyes… hellip; Manifestations that complicate the practice of physical activity outdoors. So, are sport and allergies necessarily incompatible ?

Fortunately, with appropriate treatment and a few precautions, nothing should prevent you from practicing physical activity. We take stock, as the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network placed almost the entirety of France on red alert this Friday, April 12, in the face of birch pollen.

First tip: before scheduling your session, monitor the pollen risk in your department. The National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) regularly updates its “pollen map of France”. If the risk is high, prefer indoor sports.

Watch the weather

Schedule your sessions after rainy times. In fact, rain places pollen on the ground, preventing them from being transported by the wind. And so, of course, avoid too windy times when pollen is dispersed in the air.

Early morning or late evening

In the morning and evening, pollen concentrations are lower. As temperatures are lower, there are fewer pollens suspended in the air.

Adapt your equipment

When you go out, certain accessories will help protect you. So wrap-around sunglasses or an anti-pollen filter mask will prevent allergens from entering your eyes, nose or mouth.

Rinse yourself

Finally, it is advisable to shower as soon as possible after exercise in order to eliminate allergens from your body and your hair. Washing your workout gear after exercising can also help eliminate allergy triggers and prevent a post-workout reaction.