In the beautiful March of spring, which was supposed to be a good season for hiking and admiring flowers, Ms. Huang, a resident of Tianjin, had to wear a mask and sunglasses due to frequent sneezing and tears. She came to the hospital fully armed and said, "Every year at this time, her eyes are swollen and she can't open them, and her nose is so stuffy that she can't breathe." Ms. Huang's troubles are not uncommon. Pollen is the "culprit" of spring allergies, and many patients often have questions: why do we still have pollen allergies when we don't have flowers at home and never come into contact with them? Wang Huiping, Director of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology and Director of the Department of Allergic Diseases (Allergic Reactions) at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, explained that pollen is mainly divided into two categories: insect borne pollen (pollen spread by insects) and wind borne pollen (pollen spread by wind), and the main cause of allergic reactions is wind borne pollen. The main pathogenic pollen in spring is mainly the pollen of cypress, pine, poplar, elm and other trees. The pollen particles are small and abundant, and can be spread far away by wind, even entering indoors. Even without going to gardens or parks, pollen may enter living spaces through windows, ventilation systems, or by following clothing. Why is spring the peak season for allergies? Wang Huiping explained that in spring, as the earth's atmosphere rises, plants begin to reproduce, and allergenic pollen can remain suspended in the air for a long time. In some areas, the concentration of mold and dust mites also increases, which are common allergens. Especially pollen, it can easily cause symptoms such as redness, itching, sneezing, runny nose, skin rash, itching, and in severe cases, coughing or even asthma. Allergic diseases, also known as allergic reactions, are caused by abnormal immune responses to allergens in the human body. Allergic reactions are essentially caused by the immune system's "excessive defense". Generally speaking, people with allergies are more likely to experience allergic reactions, especially those with a family history of allergies, such as parents with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema, which increases the risk of allergies in their children. In addition, children, the elderly, and individuals with abnormal or disordered immune systems are also more susceptible to allergies. Allergic diseases cannot be cured, but can be controlled through prevention and treatment to reduce their occurrence. It is very important to search for allergens in order to prevent the occurrence of allergic diseases Wang Huiping said that allergens can be found through skin prick test, serum sIgE detection, patch test and other examination methods. After identifying the allergen, it can be avoided based on one's own situation. During the peak pollen season, doors and windows should be closed to reduce air flow. Families with conditions can use fresh air systems or air purifiers in conjunction; Wearing anti pollen glasses can reduce the contact between pollen particles and the conjunctiva by about 65%. Wearing anti pollen masks and applying pollen blocking agents can also effectively filter pollen. During the day, the pollen concentration is often higher in the afternoon. People with allergies should choose to travel in the morning, evening, or after a continuous drizzle when the pollen concentration is the lowest, "said Wang Huiping. Thunderstorms have poor cleaning ability for pollen particles in the air and can cause them to swell and break into smaller particles with stronger allergenicity. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid outdoor activities before and after thunderstorms. Generally speaking, wool clothes are more prone to static electricity and pollen adsorption than cotton and synthetic clothes. Therefore, it is recommended to choose clothes with smooth surfaces when going out, and to clean the pollen particles adsorbed on hair and clothing in a timely manner after returning home. How should I treat myself if I find myself allergic? At present, commonly used drugs include oral antihistamines (such as loratadine, cetirizine, etc.) and local symptomatic drugs (such as nasal sprays, eye drops, etc.). For patients with severe symptoms, especially those experiencing breathing difficulties, asthma, etc., doctors may use hormone drugs or new biological agents. In addition, in spring, you can eat more foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, etc., which can help alleviate inflammatory reactions. Psychological regulation is also important Wang Huiping said that when allergic symptoms occur, there is no need to be overly anxious. Maintaining an optimistic attitude can help alleviate the symptoms. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner to avoid delaying treatment. (New Society)