Entering March, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, pear blossoms bloom one after another, and even cypress trees, pine trees, and willows bloom with flowers. However, for people who are allergic to pollen, this also means that the season of "one snot, one tear" has arrived. So, what is pollen allergy? What are the differences between it and cold symptoms? How should it be treated? Let's pay attention together. Don't treat pollen allergy as a "cold" in advance during the allergy season. Since March, the number of pollen allergy patients in many hospitals has significantly increased. The reporter learned from Beijing Tongren Hospital that during the spring pollen dispersal period from January to March each year, the number of patients with allergy related symptoms in outpatient clinics increases by about 20% compared to usual. And this year's pollen season is about a week earlier than usual. Patient Ms. Lv: In spring, the nose becomes stuffy, and both eyes become itchy. There are also frequent sneezing and runny nose. Due to allergies causing sneezing, runny nose, coughing and other symptoms, many people mistake allergies for colds. Zhang Luo, the director of Beijing Tongren Hospital: The main symptoms of influenza include varying degrees of fever, but allergic rhinitis only involves feeling fatigue and exhaustion throughout the body. If we measure body temperature, it is normal, so we can determine whether we have the flu or allergic rhinitis at home based on the difference in symptoms. In addition, pollen allergy is difficult for patients to distinguish when the initial symptoms are not obvious. If a patient suddenly realizes that they are allergic to a certain food and experience dryness, itching, and swelling of the mouth and throat, it may be a cross allergic reaction between pollen and food. It is recommended that patients who suspect they have pollen allergies go to the hospital in a timely manner to identify their allergens for appropriate allergen environmental control. Don't talk about hormone discoloration, you can follow the doctor's advice and take medication with confidence. For patients with clear and severe pollen allergies, doctors recommend starting medication two weeks before the pollen season and controlling symptoms when they are not severe. Generally, medication needs to be continued until the end of the pollen season. Zhang Yuan, Chief Physician of the Nasal Allergy Department at Beijing Tongren Hospital: Generally, our recommendation is to provide continuous and standardized treatment throughout the entire process. Our first-line treatment is usually nasal spray of hormones, followed by oral antihistamines. Additionally, it is recommended that patients strengthen nasal flushing. Many patients are concerned that the use of steroids, including nasal spray medications, may affect their health and have some resistance to prevention and treatment. Regarding this, the doctor explained that nasal spray hormone, as an external medication, has a dosage calculated in micrograms, and the dose absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the whole body is negligible. It can be safely used according to medical advice. Pay attention to pollen weather reports and avoid allergens. In addition to timely treatment of allergy symptoms, prevention is equally important. The most effective way to prevent pollen allergies is to avoid contact with allergens, such as wearing masks, silicone protective goggles, etc. when going out, and taking good protective measures. In addition, closely monitoring the pollen concentration monitoring information released by the meteorological department can also help us "avoid" allergens. Zhang Luo: Now we have a nationwide monitoring network for atmospheric pollen concentration. Before going out every day, check the pollen concentration. If it is relatively high, corresponding protective measures should be taken. For example, in recent days, the pollen concentration of this plant in the Cupressaceae and Salicaceae families in Beijing has been relatively high. If it is clear that these patients are allergic to pollen, they should try to reduce outdoor activities as much as possible, especially in places where allergic trees gather, and minimize exposure to these environments to avoid acute symptoms of this allergy. (New Society)