Health authorities warn of rising ragweed pollen levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

Health authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia are issuing warnings regarding high concentrations of ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, peak concentrations are expected during late August and throughout September, with highest levels typically recorded at dawn and in the afternoon.

Medical experts note that ragweed is highly allergenic, with symptoms including nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, coughing, and eye irritation. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, sensitive individuals may react to concentrations as low as 20 to 30 grains per cubic meter. Recommendations for those affected include limiting outdoor activities during peak hours, avoiding windy days, and washing hair in the evening to remove allergens.

In Croatia, medical professionals at the Osijek University Hospital Centre have observed an increase in patients suffering from allergies, including a trend of adults developing new allergies in their 30s or 40s. Experts suggest that environmental factors, stress, and the 'hygiene hypothesis'—whereby reduced exposure to microorganisms in industrialized environments affects the immune system—may contribute to the rise in adult-onset allergies.