Beijing has entered the autumn pollen season. Reminder: Some "colds" are actually allergies
2024-08-14
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Daily pollen concentration monitoring data from the Pollen Research Laboratory of the Allergy Center of Beijing Century Altar Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University shows that Beijing has entered the autumn pollen season. The main allergenic pollens floating in the air are Humulus/Cannabis, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Poaceae pollen, Artemisia, etc. Patients with autumn pollen allergies will gradually develop symptoms. Experts remind the public not to mistake pollen allergies for colds. Please go to the hospital in time for treatment, early prevention, and standardized treatment.
Wang Xueyan, director of the Allergy Center of Beijing Century Memorial Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, introduced that the main symptoms of pollen allergy are itchy nose, sneezing, and runny nose, which may be accompanied by itchy eyes, itchy throat, itchy ears, and coughing. In severe cases, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing may occur.
"Don't mistake pollen allergy for a cold. If you feel unwell, please go to the hospital in time for a detailed examination and standardized treatment." Wang Xueyan reminded that patients with severe pollen allergies can take preventive medication under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate symptoms during the peak pollen season.
The main way to distinguish between hay fever and colds is: hay fever has obvious seasonality, individuals or families often have a history of allergies, sneezing is frequent and severe, nasal itching is obvious, nasal congestion is severe and changes frequently, nasal secretions are abundant and watery or sticky, generally there are no systemic symptoms, some are accompanied by asthma, it is not contagious, the course of the disease is long, which can reach one to several months, the nasal mucosa is pale and edematous, and the nasal secretion smear is eosinophils and mast cells; colds are not seasonal and are more common in winter, sneezing is present but less, nasal itching is present in the early stage and is not obvious, nasal congestion is obvious and persistent, nasal secretions are sticky or purulent, symptoms are severe, such as fever and myalgia, it is contagious, the course of the disease is 1 to 2 weeks, the nasal mucosa is congested and swollen, and the nasal secretion smear is mainly neutrophils.
Autumn pollen allergies mainly occur from August to October. As the peak season for pollen allergies is approaching, Tan Xinhua, chief physician of the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Beijing Children's Hospital and Shunyi Women and Children's Hospital, recommends that people who are allergic to pollen take the following protective measures.
Stay away from allergens
Try to avoid going out during the season when the pollen concentration in the air is high, especially in dry and windy weather. If you have to engage in outdoor activities, it is best to avoid the period from 10 am to 5 pm when the pollen concentration is high. Using masks, goggles, etc. when going out can reduce the inhalation of allergenic pollen into the nasal cavity or contact with the conjunctiva, and relieve nasal and eye symptoms. It is recommended not to wear disposable medical masks made of gauze, cotton cloth, or thin two-layer non-woven fabrics. Wear masks with good protection and close fit to the face when worn. Wash your mouth and nose after going out, wash your clothes in time, and do not dry them outdoors to avoid contamination with pollen. Close the bedroom windows when sleeping to reduce pollen from floating into the room; close the windows when driving.
Improve your immunity
Exercise to enhance your body's resistance. Keep warm when going out, and avoid contact with too many chemicals, cosmetics, etc. Eat a light and balanced diet. Pay attention to supplementing vitamin C and calcium. Eat more nutritious fruits, and try to eat less foods containing preservatives and irritating foods, which may be triggers of allergies. Maintain a good attitude and avoid excitement. An impatience will make the patient's symptoms worse.
Be aware of whether these fruits are allergens
Some people who are allergic to pollen also have food allergies. Because pollen is the male reproductive cell of plants, and plant foods have similar allergenic protein components as pollen, people who are allergic to pollen should pay special attention to food allergies. Fruits are abundant in autumn, and generally speaking, fruits of the Rosaceae family are more likely to cause allergies, such as cherries, apples, pears, peaches, etc. You need to check the allergens first and make sure you are not allergic before eating.
Pay attention to hygiene and do not pick your nose or rub your eyes
Pay attention to personal hygiene and do not pick your nose or rub your eyes with your hands. You can wash your nose with saline, fumigate your nose with steam, or apply a hot towel to your nose to promote local blood circulation and enhance the nose's resistance to disease. When allergic symptoms are severe and difficult to relieve on their own, seek medical attention in a timely manner to avoid misdiagnosis or other complications.
Beijing News reporter Zhang Zhaohui
Proofread by Mu Xiangtong
