Prague in Depth: Health - Allergies and Asthma

Allergies are a common problem for foreigners in Prague, for several reasons.

Firstly, air quality, which improved dramatically in the 1990s, has begun to begun to decline again because of an increase in road traffic in the city.

Secondly, the many green spaces in and around Prague, which dramatically increases the amount of pollen in the air in the spring and summer.

A third issue, particularly problematic for asthma sufferers, is dust, although this is easily controlled.

Because of traffic and construction, Prague is a particularly dusty city, but it is possible to get some relief from this problem.

If you move into a furnished flat, particularly one that hasn't been refurbished recently, there's a chance that the carpets, mattresses, and cushions are older than you are, so your first priority is taking them outside and beating them, or removing them altogether.

For people with severe allergies, small quantities of allergy medicines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine) are available over the counter from pharmacies, but a prescription is required for larger amounts.

A detailed article on coping with hay fever in Prague is available elsewhere on Prague TV.