Seasonal house call · Allergy
Allergy Season Berlin
Allergy Season Berlin is a seasonal health occasion for which RAB Arztbesuche provides a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
The Berlin allergy season now stretches across most of the year — alder and hazel from February, birch in April, grasses into July, mugwort and ragweed into September, house dust mites all year, mould especially in autumn, animal dander year-round. We come daily 6 am to midnight to your hotel or home, provide acute treatment, advise on trigger avoidance and arrange specific IgE testing when needed.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Berlin allergy season — calendar and triggers
Berlin is one of Germany's most allergy-loaded cities. Climate change has measurably extended the pollen season: hazel and alder pollen now regularly appear in January or February, birch in April, grasses from May to July, mugwort and — for some years — ragweed well into September. In parallel, house dust mites, animal dander and mould spores are important triggers year-round. Anyone with an atopic predisposition often suffers from rhinitis, itchy eyes or subclinical asthma in Berlin almost continuously — many do not know this is treatable.
We see allergy patients on house calls daily 6 am to midnight across Berlin. In the appointment we take a structured history with a season calendar, examine the ENT status and the lungs, assess current symptom load and set up a stepped therapy: oral antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid, anti-allergic eye drops, inhaled corticosteroids and reliever medication for asthma symptoms. In unclear or severe cases we arrange specific IgE blood tests in a Berlin specialist laboratory — the result with allergy passport is sent by encrypted post or email. Prescription and a GOÄ invoice via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle are issued at the same appointment.
Atopic march — when rhinitis becomes asthma
About a third of hay-fever patients develop allergic asthma over time — the so-called atopic march from upper to lower airways. Early signs: dry cough during outdoor exercise, chest tightness, wheezing in the morning. Anyone recognising these signs early and treating consistently with inhalers can favourably influence the course. We auscultate the lungs, assess respiratory function orientationally and decide about inhalation therapy or referral to a pulmonology clinic.
Emergency: anaphylactic reaction
Allergic rhinitis is not an emergency — anaphylaxis is. For swelling of lips, tongue or throat, acute shortness of breath with wheezing, circulatory collapse or generalised rash with shock, call 112 immediately and use — if available — the adrenaline auto-injector. Common triggers in Berlin: wasp sting in late summer, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, latex, certain medications. We discuss the indication for an adrenaline pen and prescribe it when indicated.
How the house call works during allergy season
You call, describe symptoms, suspected trigger and previous therapy. We agree on a time window — arrival time in Berlin 60 to 90 minutes. For acute shortness of breath or signs of anaphylaxis, 112 is the right call; for usual severity, the house call works.
On site: focused history with season calendar, physical exam with lung auscultation, peak-flow measurement if needed. Treatment plan, prescription (antihistamine, corticosteroid spray, eye drops, inhaler if indicated), emergency plan. Optional ordering of specific IgE diagnostics. GOÄ invoice via the Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Pregnant patient with hay fever
Second-trimester patient with massive birch pollen hay fever. We choose a pregnancy-safe antihistamine, coordinate with gynaecology and advise on trigger reduction.
Child with first suspected asthma
8-year-old with exercise-induced cough and night cough during pollen season. We examine, assess and refer to paediatric pulmonology at Charité.
Business traveller with pet dander allergy at hotel
Guest with reaction to animal allergens in the hotel room. We treat symptomatically, advise on room choice and travel medication.
Adult with suspected house dust mite allergy
Berliner with year-round nasal congestion and morning cough. We arrange specific IgE diagnostics, advise on encasings, stepped therapy, immunotherapy.
Frequently asked questions
Which allergy test makes more sense — blood or skin prick?
Both have their place. The skin prick test is standardised and inexpensive — but it belongs in an allergology clinic since anaphylaxis is possible. A specific IgE blood test is easy to arrange at a house call and gives well-interpretable results.
Is desensitisation worth it?
With a clearly identified main trigger, high symptom load and given indication, yes. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) usually starts after the season; sublingual tablets (SLIT) are possible year-round for certain allergens. We discuss suitability individually.
Do I get an allergy passport?
Yes, as soon as specific IgE diagnostics are in. The passport documents proven sensitisations, previous anaphylactic reactions and individual emergency medication. Important for travel and hospital admissions.
Are antihistamines suitable for long-term use?
Modern non-sedating antihistamines (bilastine, fexofenadine, loratadine, desloratadine) are well-tolerated long-term. We review the indication regularly and adapt stepped therapy to the season.