New app AirAllergy

AirAllergy launches its new mobile app! Follow pollen levels in real time, consult daily readings and RMI forecast maps for the coming days.

KU Leuven seeks participants for allergy study

Participants wanted! For research of the effects of nitrogen pollution on grass and tree pollen, and the consequent allergic reactions in allergic patients.

Who? Adults (18 years or older), with grass and/or tree pollen allergy who have not undergone desensitisation therapy.

What? Participants will undergo a skin prick test for diagnosis and a blood test. They will also have to complete a questionnaire.

The test will take place at UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg, department of 'Allergy and Clinical Immunology' and 'Ear, Nose and Throat'. Would you like more information? Then, send an e-mail to: infonitropol@uzleuven.be

In brief

The allergenic pollen season is now over in Belgium. Monitoring of air concentrations will resume in January 2025, with the start of the new hazel season.

In autumn, mushrooms from meadows and forests release large quantities of basidiospores. Although these spores are only responsible for rare cases of allergy, if symptoms persist, it is advisable to check for possible exposure to indoor allergens, such as house dust mites or molds.

Basidiospores

Latest measure: 
Thursday, 10 October, 2024
20232024Mean 2014 - 2023JulAugSepOctNov010002000300040005000600070008000fungal spores / m³

Good to know

  • A few useful recommendations: avoid outdoor activities, wear sun glasses, do not dry linen outside, rinse your nose regularly, wash your hair before going to sleep.

  • Typical allergy symptoms such as runny nose, cough or shortness of breath (in case of asthma) can easily be mistaken for a cold, flu or coronavirus infection. However, fever and body aches should be given special attention as they might be caused by viral infection. It is recommended to call your general practitioner in case of doubt.

  • The standardized pollen detection technique allows retrospective measurement of the levels from samples taken the day before. Samples are analyzed manually during the working days by optical microscopy.