To prevent allergic rhinitis (hay fever), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors
- Diet
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients.
- Repeated exposure to the triggering allergens (e.g. chlorinated water in swimming pools) Chlorinated water in swimming pools increases the risk of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and may increase the frequency of attacks of bronchial asthma if predisposed. The reason for this is probably that chlorine compounds damage the barrier of the lung epithelium, making it easier for allergens to penetrate. Since 1980, the water in swimming pools may contain a maximum of 0.3 to 0.6 mg / l free and 0.2 mg / l combined chlorine at a pH between 6.5 and 7.6 according to DIN standards.
Other risk factors
- Early sensitization to food allergens such as cow’s milk and chicken egg white, and inhalant allergens (tested: dust mites, cat, dog, birch, and meadow bluegrass.) (aHR: 4.53)
Allergenic cares
If an allergy to pollen, dust mites, animal dander or mold is detected, or if there is a food allergy, those affected should avoid the triggers to prevent the onset of allergic symptoms. For example, pollen prognosising or reducing mite exposure by using allergen-impermeable encasings for bed mattress and bedding or by lowering room temperature and humidity can be helpful. In the case of pet allergies, complete avoidance of allergen exposure is often not achievable despite not having a pet. Food allergens can possibly be destroyed by exposure to heat (cooking, baking).
Prevention factors (protective factors)
- Maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation should be balanced and nutritious. On the consumption patterns of the mother and the effects on the child:
- however, there is no evidence that dietary restriction (avoidance of potent food allergens) is useful; the opposite seems to be true:
- Increased maternal consumption of peanuts in the first trimester (first three months of pregnancy) was associated with a 47% lower likelihood of allergic reactions to peanuts.
- Increased consumption of milk by the mother in the first trimester was associated with less bronchial asthma and less allergic rhinitis.
- Increased consumption of wheat by the mother in the second trimester was associated with less atopic eczema (neurodermatitis).
- There is evidence that fish (omega-3 fatty acids; EPA and DHA) in the mother’s diet during pregnancy or lactation is a protective factor for the development of atopic disease in the child.
- however, there is no evidence that dietary restriction (avoidance of potent food allergens) is useful; the opposite seems to be true:
- Breastfeeding (full breastfeeding) for at least 4 months.
- Breast milk substitutes in high-risk infants: if the mother cannot breastfeed or cannot breastfeed adequately, the administration of hydrolyzed infant formula is recommended for high-risk infants up to 4 months of age; there is no evidence of a preventive effect for soy-based infant formula; there are no recommendations for goat’s, sheep’s, or mare’s milk
- Supplemental feeding from the beginning of 5 months of age is reported to be associated with promoted tolerance development; early fish consumption is reported to have protective value.
- Diet after the 1st year of life: there are no recommendations for allergy prevention in terms of a special diet.
- Food consumption in childhood
- Increased consumption of foods containing cow’s milk, breast milk, and oats was inversely (unreversely) related to the risk of allergic asthma.
- Early fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of allergic and nonallergic asthma.
- Exposure to tobacco smoke: tobacco smoke should be avoided – this is especially true during pregnancy.
- Note on vaccinations: there is no evidence that vaccinations increase the risk of allergy; children should be vaccinated according to STIKO recommendations.
- To reduce inhalation of allergens and contact with allergens from pets; furthermore, avoid indoor and outdoor air pollutants, including exposure to tobacco smoke; it is recommended not to acquire a cat in children at risk.
- Body weight: an increased BMI (body mass index) is positively correlated with bronchial asthma – especially in bronchial asthma.
Recommendation. Taking a dietary supplement during pregnancy with omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, calcium, folic acid and iodine, as well as a dietary supplement with probiotic cultures.
