Spring spells trouble for seasonal allergy sufferers
Print Edition
SPRING is no picnic for those who are allergic to grass, pollen and mold spores. For them, warmer temperatures mean the release of these and other microscopic irritants that can wreak havoc on the body, particularly the nose, eyes and skin.
“The immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as a foreign invader. It releases antibodies to attack the allergens,” said Dr Xu Nan from Shanghai East International Medical Center. “This reaction leads to the release of chemicals, such as histamines, into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms like facial dryness and scaly skin.”
As one local seasonal-allergy suffer surnamed Li described this time of year to Shanghai Daily: “All I have to do is take a photo of a blossoming flower in the spring, and the next moment I’m suffering from a runny nose and skin rashes.”
Microscopic pollen particles can travel for up to several kilometers by the wind. Indeed, many report symptom flare ups on gusty days.
“In spring, patients with skin allergies... can cover half of our daily patients at our dermatology department,” said Dr Dai Jun from Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital. “I received a 32-year-old female patient who began sneezing and itching her entire body after returning from a park. Her’s is a typical case of spring allergies brought on by contact with pollen.
Fortunately, in cases like those mentioned above, there are a range of anti-histamine drugs on the market that can relieve common allergy symptoms.
In some patients though, particularly those with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, airborne allergens may trigger more serious symptoms. These can include narrowing of their airway, leading to wheezing and shortness of breath.
“Asthma is typical representative of allergic disease,” said Dr Chen Maomao from Shanghai Zunran Hospital. “At present, there are 235 million people suffering from asthma in the world. It is a common disease in children.”
Dr Chen said the strongest risk factors for developing asthma are genetic predisposition, combined with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways. In the past the years, the incidence of asthma in children under 14 years in Shanghai has increased by 153 percent, according to Dr Chen.
Without proper treatment, allergy symptoms can worsen year by year, and even develop into more serious problems, such as allergic conjunctivitis and dermatitis. If not treated early, they can create complications with allergic asthma, rhinitis and other more serious allergic diseases, the doctor warned.
As for treatment, anti-histamines are the main drugs used by most allergy sufferers, especially. Over-the-counter allergy drugs are effective for many people.
Loratadine, Cetirizine, Desloratadine, Diphenhydramine, and Fexofenadine are frequently-recommended by doctors. One common side effect of these and similar drugs is drowsiness.
Prescription-strength decongestants can also help those with acute symptoms. These are used to reduce swelling in the throat, nose and sinuses. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are another popular prescription-grade treatment choice, as they can give relief from stuffiness and sneezing.
To relieve dry skin, applying Cosmeceutical lotion after washing is recommended. Medical creams are also available for other allergy-induced skin conditions.
But while a variety of treatment options are widely available for allergy sufferers, doctors say these only treat symptoms. The best defense is to avoid triggering irritants.
“It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid spring allergies if you live in an area where plants grow,” Xu from Shanghai International East said. “However, you can ease the symptoms by avoiding your main allergy triggers. Trying to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is high — pollen counts usually peak in the morning — is one of the best choices. Secondly, keep your doors and windows closed whenever possible during the spring months to keep allergens out. An air purifier may also help. Cleaning the purifier, as well as places where pollen can gather, is also helpful. Thirdly, wear a mask when you are outside or when you use the vacuum, as pollen, mold, and dust can be kicked up into the air. Lastly, but most importantly, see a doctor for help when you have serious problems,” she said.
Ren’ai Hospital’s Dr Dai added that avoiding eating high protein and high calorie food can also help allergy patients.
“Don’t eat hot peppers while having allergic symptoms, as capsicin in pepper can expand blood vessels, redden the skin and worsen allergies,” said Dr Dai.
Tips to sleep sneeze-free
Bedding items are likely to cause allergy symptoms if not properly cleaned and disinfected, medical experts warn.
Many Chinese families hang their quilts outside on sunny days during spring and summer, inadvertently exposing them to pollen and pollutants.
Moreover, bedding items can attract dander, mites and dirt, which can bring grieve to allergy sufferers.
Doctors suggest people clean their quilts and other bedding items regularly in a washing machine. Simply airing them is not an effective way to remove allergens.
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