Seasonal house call · Spring
Hay Fever Berlin Spring
Hay Fever Berlin Spring 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.
Berlin is among Germany's most pollen-rich cities — birch, grasses, mugwort and alder dominate spring. Anyone struggling with massive sneezing, itchy eyes, blocked nose and the risk of allergic asthma can get a specialist assessment, a proper prescription and a clear treatment plan without leaving home.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Pollen in Berlin — a longer season every year
The Berlin pollen season now often starts in February with alder and hazel, runs through birch in April, grasses in June and mugwort into August. The Stiftung Deutscher Polleninformationsdienst (PID) publishes daily forecasts for Berlin. Climate change and the urban microclimate noticeably extend the season — people who once only suffered in May are now symptomatic over several months.
At the house call we identify the main pollen trigger, check for early signs of allergic asthma (lower airway involvement), and decide on a stepped therapy: oral antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, anti-allergic eye drops, inhaled corticosteroids if needed. Prescription, an emergency plan and a GOÄ invoice via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle are provided at the appointment.
When a house call makes sense
Heavy symptoms despite over-the-counter antihistamines, progressive shortness of breath or wheezing, first-time diagnosis without an allergy passport, and for patients who can barely leave the house during peak pollen — especially asthmatics and pregnant women. We examine, auscultate the lungs, advise on pollen-forecast apps, drying laundry indoors, and bedding hygiene.
Emergency: anaphylactic reaction
Hay fever itself is not an emergency — anaphylaxis is. For swelling of lips, tongue or throat, acute shortness of breath, circulatory collapse or shock, call 112 immediately and use an adrenaline auto-injector if available. Our service does not replace the emergency service — it helps structure care afterwards.
How the house call works for hay fever
You call, describe the symptoms and any known trigger. We agree on a time window — typical arrival in Berlin is 60 to 90 minutes — and arrive with everything needed for an initial allergological assessment.
On site: focused history (pollen calendar, course of symptoms, comorbidities), physical exam with auscultation-based lung-function estimate, treatment plan, prescription. We arrange specific IgE blood tests when needed — results are sent by encrypted email or post.
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
Professionals during peak pollen
A lawyer with acute birch-pollen allergy cannot think clearly before a client meeting. We treat in the office or at home and adjust medication.
Child with first hay fever
Parents want to prevent hay fever turning into allergic asthma. We examine, advise on immunotherapy and refer to paediatric allergology when needed.
Pregnant patient with allergy
Not every antihistamine is recommended in pregnancy. We choose an appropriate agent, document the indication and coordinate with gynaecology.
Traveller at the hotel
Anyone arriving from a low-pollen region is often caught off-guard. We come to the hotel, treat, write a prescription and give a short pollen-calendar briefing.
Frequently asked questions
Which antihistamines do not cause drowsiness?
Cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine and bilastine are considered low-sedating; bilastine and fexofenadine are especially day-friendly. We decide individually based on tolerance and other medication.
Can I start desensitisation during the season?
Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) usually starts after the season; sublingual tablets (SLIT) can, depending on the allergen, be started year-round. We discuss the individual plan.
Does Berlin honey help against hay fever?
Not scientifically supported. There is no meaningful allergen transfer into honey. We rely on evidence-based therapy.
When should I use a corticosteroid nasal spray?
Nasal corticosteroids are highly effective for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis and considered the gold standard. They do not work instantly — start one or two weeks before the expected peak pollen phase.