What should you do if you have spring allergies and tears?

Since March, the number of patients suffering from pollen allergies in many hospitals has increased significantly. Why are people more prone to allergies in spring? Are flowers the "culprit" of pollen allergies? How to prevent them? Let's find out together↓

Pollen allergies are more common in spring

The “culprit” is not the flowers?

In spring, everything comes back to life. Animals and plants welcome a new beginning of the year. As they grow vigorously, they release more allergens. Therefore, the symptoms of allergy sufferers during this period become more serious.

Allergens can be divided into perennial allergens and seasonal allergens: Perennial allergens exist all year round, such as dust mites, allergens carried by pets, etc. Seasonal allergens are related to the season, generally from trees in spring, from mold in summer, and from weeds in autumn.

Many people may wonder why they have pollen allergies even though they rarely come into contact with flowers in their daily lives. In fact, the "culprit" of spring pollen allergies is not the beautiful and bright ornamental flowers, but trees and plants that transmit pollen through wind pollination.

Pollen transmission in nature is mainly divided into two forms: wind-pollinated and insect-pollinated. Peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, etc. are pollinated by insects and are usually not easy to cause allergies; poplars, willows, cypresses, etc. are pollinated by wind and are more likely to cause pollen allergies in spring.

What is the difference between pollen allergy and a cold?

Runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing are both symptoms of a cold and an allergy. So what's the difference between the two?

Zhang Luo, director of Beijing Tongren Hospital, said that the main symptoms of influenza are fever to varying degrees, but allergic rhinitis only causes general fatigue and listlessness.

In addition, when the initial symptoms of pollen allergy are not obvious, it is difficult for patients to distinguish. If patients suddenly find that they are allergic to a certain food, with dry itching in the oropharynx and swollen lips, it may be a cross-allergic reaction between pollen and food.

Patients who suspect they are allergic to pollen are advised to go to the hospital promptly to identify their allergens so that they can carry out appropriate allergen environmental control.

What is the difference between pollen allergy and cold? One picture to understand↓

Which groups of people are prone to allergies?

Doctors said that under normal circumstances, the human immune system can identify and eliminate foreign pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, while maintaining tolerance to its own tissues. Allergic reactions are excessive immune responses produced by the immune system to some usually harmless substances (such as pollen, dust mites, certain foods, etc.).

These three groups of people should pay special attention↓

As for allergies, young and middle-aged people are more likely to suffer from them. People in this age group have stronger immunity, but they also spend more time outdoors and are more likely to come into contact with allergens.

Kindergarten children are prone to allergies to indoor allergens.

Middle-aged and elderly people are more likely to suffer from drug allergies due to the increased use of medications for chronic diseases.

How to prevent pollen allergy?

According to data from previous years, pollen concentrations in most parts of my country peak in mid-to-late March and will continue until May. If people with allergies want to prevent or alleviate discomfort, the most important thing is to avoid contact with allergens.

During pollen season, try to avoid areas with high pollen concentrations.

In spring, the outdoor pollen concentration is high at noon and in the afternoon, so try to avoid going out. Take protective measures when going out, such as wearing a mask, silicone protective glasses, and long-sleeved clothes.

At home, try to close doors and windows, and use air filtering or purification equipment to reduce the pollen concentration indoors.

Do not open the windows when driving outside, and choose internal circulation as the ventilation mode.

When you come home from outside, take off your outer clothes and clean your nasal cavity in time.

Can I take medicine in advance to prevent allergies?

Doctors say that prevention is more effective than treatment after allergic symptoms appear. For patients with clear allergic symptoms, it is generally recommended to start using preventive medications at least 2-4 weeks before the spring pollen season.

Patients with allergic rhinitis can use some nasal spray hormones in advance.

Patients with allergic conjunctivitis can use allergy eye drops in advance.

Patients with allergic asthma can use medications containing corticosteroids in advance.

📣It should be noted that many people choose to "bear it" after experiencing allergic symptoms, thinking that the symptoms will disappear after the allergy season is over. This approach is actually not advisable. If the allergic symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention in time.