Xinhuanet, Beijing, April 18 (Pi Chen) The temperature rebounds in spring, which is a good time for outings and flowers to enjoy, but it is a painful beginning for people who are allergic. The pollen brought by the spring flowers, plants and trees makes people with allergic constitutions have nowhere to escape, such as itchy nose, sneezing, and clear water-like snot. Some people may be accompanied by red and swollen eyes, itchy eyes, itchy throat, itchy ears, itchy palate and cough. In severe cases, chest tightness and shortness of breath, even difficulty breathing, and life-threatening.

Xinhuanet Health Channel has launched a series of popular sciences for spring allergies. This issue specially invited Cui Le, deputy chief physician of the Allergy Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, to explain the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment methods and common misunderstandings of spring pollen allergies, and help the public to respond scientifically to the allergy season.

Pollen allergy: "double joint" originating from genetics and environment

"Allergic diseases are the result of the combined action of genetic and environmental factors." Cui Le introduced that pollen allergic, as a common allergic disease, has an upward trend in the incidence of pollen. If one parent has a history of allergies, the risk of allergies in children can double. Even if parents do not have obvious allergic symptoms, they may also experience allergic symptoms in the later stage due to factors such as modern lifestyle and changes in urban greening.

"The increase in pollen, pet dander, dust mites and other allergens in the living environment has caused the originally insensitive population to gradually show allergic symptoms." Cui Le pointed out that the prevalence trend of pollen allergies is closely related to factors such as urbanization and air pollution.

What are the "pollen murderers" who are popular in spring?

Pollen type varies by region and climate. "In northern my country, Artemisia pollen is the main allergen, while in spring it is mainly tree pollen." Cui Le introduced that cypress pollen is common in early spring, while in late spring it is mainly elm, poplar, birch, etc. Beijing is currently in the high-incidence period of late spring pollen, and pollen concentration remains at a relatively high level.

"The concentration of pollen is greatly affected by factors such as climate, wind, and vegetation." Cui Le reminded that citizens with a history of pollen allergy should pay close attention to pollen forecasts and take protective measures.

Not just sneezing: Beware of multi-system allergic reactions

Typical manifestations of pollen allergy include nasal symptoms such as sneezing, watery nasal snot, nasal congestion, nasal itch, accompanied by red and itchy eyes, itchy throat or ear canals, and some people even have symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.

"Some patients will have typical symptoms of "itting all the orifices", which seriously affects the quality of life." Cui Le pointed out that if not controlled, pollen allergy may further develop into asthma, with lower airway symptoms such as repeated coughing, holding breath, and wheezing. In addition, some patients may also be allergic to related foods due to "cross reaction", such as eating certain fruits and causing itchy or swelling in the mouth, and even causing systemic allergic reactions.

Scientific diagnosis: medical history + allergen detection locks in the "culprit"

"Once typical allergic symptoms appear repeatedly in the same season, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible." Cui Le pointed out that doctors can initially determine whether it is pollen allergic through medical history inquiries, and further confirm the diagnosis through skin prick tests or blood allergen testing.

"The results will be produced 15 minutes after the skin test, which determines which pollen causes allergies, but the test is affected by taking anti-allergic drugs." In contrast, blood tests are not disturbed by drugs and are suitable for patients with severe symptoms and cannot stop the drug.

Pollen allergies cannot be cured, but can be effectively controlled

"At present, pollen allergy cannot be completely eradicated, but rational treatment and protection can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life." Cui Le pointed out that treatment is divided into four levels:

First, basic protection: reduce outdoor activities time, wear masks, goggles, etc. to block pollen.

The second is drug treatment: combined with oral anti-allergic drugs, nasal sprays, eye drops, etc. It is recommended to start taking medication 1-2 weeks before the arrival of pollen season.

The third is desensitization treatment: improve the body's tolerance through long-term and regular injection of pollen extracts allergic to the skin. The course of desensitization usually takes 3-5 years, which can effectively relieve symptoms and prevent the development of asthma.

Fourth, biologic treatment: such as anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, anti-interleukin-4 receptor monoclonal antibody and other biological drugs, which can be injected before the pollen season, can quickly relieve symptoms and are suitable for severe patients.

Be vigilant about protection misunderstandings, and special groups need to pay more attention to protection

Faced with the sayings of "honey is allergic" and "alleviation is only due to poor resistance", Cui Le reminded that these views are not scientific. “Pollen allergy is an overreaction of the immune system, not a poor immunity.”

At the same time, forcibly exercising during allergic season and exposure to high-concentration pollen environments can also aggravate the symptoms. "Many people mistakenly treat pollen allergy as a cold and use cold medicine incorrectly, resulting in delayed diagnosis and irregular treatment."

Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children and asthma patients are the key groups of pollen allergies. "Pregnant women should pay attention to daily protection during the pollen season and be particularly cautious when taking medicine. It is recommended to choose a drug with higher safety under the guidance of a doctor." Cui Le pointed out that for children and asthma patients, daily protection should also be paid attention to to avoid inducing serious allergic reactions.

Before going outing and enjoying the flowers, these preparations must not be missing

Although the flowers are beautiful in spring, protection cannot be ignored. Cui Le suggested that before going out, you should check the pollen concentration forecast and choose a period of time with lower concentrations to travel. Wear masks, goggles when going out, use pollen barriers, etc. to minimize allergen contact.

"Although pollen allergies cannot be eradicated, through scientific protection and standardized treatment, you can breathe freely in spring." Cui Le called on the public to understand rationally and take the initiative to seek medical treatment, and use science to deal with allergies, so that spring will no longer become a "pollen nightmare."

[Editor in charge: Li Chen]