Around one million people in Norway – roughly one in five – have pollen allergy, and birch pollen causes the most problems of any pollen type. In Drammen and across eastern Norway (Østlandet), we are now in the most intense part of the season. Here is what you need to know about when it peaks, what you can do at home – and when to see your GP (fastlege).
When does birch pollen peak in eastern Norway?
On Østlandet, which includes Drammen, birch pollen dispersal typically starts at the turn of April to May, alongside the budding of the trees. The main season runs through most of May, and the highest birch pollen concentrations usually occur in the first half of May – though the exact peak varies with the weather from year to year.
According to the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF), birch pollen production in 2026 is expected to be substantially higher than last year. That means higher pollen concentrations in the air on dry, windy days. Rain and cool weather reduce dispersal – but as soon as the sun returns, levels can rise quickly again.
After birch, grass pollen takes over in late summer, followed by mugwort (burot) in autumn. So if your symptoms stretch well beyond May, you may also react to those – but for birch-sensitive people, May is the critical month.
In Norway, your fastlege (GP) is your first point of contact for non-urgent allergy problems. Even if your English is stronger than your Norwegian, you have the right to a GP – and most GPs in Drammen speak English well enough to manage a consultation. New arrivals can register on Helsenorge.no (English version available) using MinID or BankID.
Typical symptoms – and how to tell it apart from a cold
Pollen allergy – also called hay fever – causes the following symptoms, according to Helsenorge:
- Sneezing, itching and a runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Itchy, watery and red eyes
- Cough, wheezing or shortness of breath (especially if you also have asthma)
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Pollen allergy is often mistaken for a cold. The difference is that allergy symptoms rise and fall with the pollen levels, do not cause fever, and tend to involve strong itching in the eyes and nose – which colds rarely do. If your symptoms last more than two weeks in spring and return at roughly the same time each year, it is probably allergy.
Six practical steps that help
You can reduce your symptoms significantly with simple, over-the-counter measures. You can start most of these yourself without a prescription:
- Start treatment before the season peaks. NAAF and Norwegian pharmacies recommend starting antihistamines one to two weeks before you usually notice symptoms, and using them consistently through the season. Over-the-counter antihistamines are available at any pharmacy (apotek) in Drammen.
- Rinse your nose with saline. Rinsing out pollen in the evening helps you sleep better – and you may need less medication.
- Keep your bedroom pollen-free. Close windows during the day, change clothes when you come inside, and avoid drying laundry outdoors during the pollen season.
- Wash your hair in the evening. Pollen sticks to hair and falls onto your pillow at night.
- Check the daily forecast before going out. Outdoor exercise is much harder on high-pollen days. Plan walks or runs right after rain, when the air has been washed clean.
- Wear sunglasses. They reduce the amount of pollen hitting your eyes and help with itching.
When should you book a GP appointment?
Most people manage mild pollen allergy with over-the-counter antihistamines and good routines. But you should talk to your GP if:
- Over-the-counter medication does not control your symptoms
- You experience shortness of breath or wheezing – this could be asthma that needs assessment
- Symptoms disrupt your sleep, concentration, work or school for several weeks
- You are unsure whether it is allergy or something else, such as a lingering infection
- You are considering longer-term treatment such as allergy immunotherapy (allergivaksinasjon)
Your GP can carry out an allergy assessment, check whether you also have asthma (common alongside birch pollen allergy), and refer you to a specialist if needed. A video consultation (videokonsultasjon) or e-consultation is often well suited for mild, well-established allergy problems – no waiting room involved.
Many children develop their first noticeable pollen symptoms during primary school years. If your child becomes unusually tired, complains of itching, or sleeps badly in May, it is worth speaking to your GP. Early treatment can ease symptoms and may help prevent symptoms from progressing to asthma.
When to call the out-of-hours service
Severe shortness of breath, significant swelling of the face or throat, or breathing difficulties you have not experienced before are warning signs. In those cases, call 113 (ambulance / emergency services). For less urgent but untreated asthma symptoms outside your GP's opening hours, call the Norwegian out-of-hours service on 116 117.
Need help with allergies?
Hotvet legesenter opens 1 June 2026 in Rosenkrantzgata 75 in Drammen. If you have questions about pollen allergy, asthma or want an assessment, please contact your GP – or see if we have spaces on our lists.
View available GP spotsTalk to your doctor if you are unsure about your symptoms or are planning changes to your treatment.