Introduction
Hey there! Allergy season is in full swing, and it's not uncommon to see people donning goggles, masks, hats, eye drops, and nasal irrigators to cope with pollen allergies. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, can cause a variety of symptoms, including nasal and eye discomfort. This seasonal allergy, which occurs in the spring and fall, is caused by pollen allergies.
Have you ever wondered why so many people seem to be suffering from pollen allergies these days? Could it be due to weakened immune systems, or is there a genetic component? And is there anything besides medication that can help alleviate the symptoms of allergies? Let's explore these questions together!
I. Types of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis can be divided into two types based on the timing of the attacks.
A. Seasonal allergic rhinitis
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is caused by allergies to pollen. It occurs mainly in the spring and fall when pollen is in the air. Symptoms include nasal and eye discomfort, and it is a regional disease that varies based on the vegetation of different regions. Pollen from wind-pollinated plants, such as trees like cypress, poplar, willow, elm, and French plane trees, causes most cases.
B. Perennial allergic rhinitis
Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs throughout the year and is mainly caused by long-term exposure to certain allergens, such as indoor dust, feathers, pet dander, molds, and bacteria. It does not have a seasonal nature and often coexists with other allergic diseases such as asthma, measles, and allergic rhinitis.
II. How to Differentiate between Cold and Pollen Allergy
A. Symptoms of pollen allergy
Pollen allergy causes itching in the eyes, conjunctival congestion, and in severe cases, conjunctival edema, and the nose also itches, causing continuous and frequent sneezing, accompanied by severe nasal congestion and a large amount of clear nasal discharge. Symptoms appear quickly and can last for hours, days, or even weeks.
B. Symptoms of a cold
Colds are generally caused by viruses, and in addition to nasal symptoms, there may also be symptoms such as sore throat, body aches, and low-grade fever. Pollen allergy patients do not have systemic symptoms, and symptoms usually occur in the morning.
III. The Relationship between Allergies and Immunity
Allergy sufferers are not necessarily people with weakened immunity, and a strong immune system does not guarantee that a person will not develop allergies. Allergies are caused by immune abnormalities that occur when the body mistakenly recognizes normal and harmless substances as harmful, leading to allergic reactions. Therefore, quickly identifying the allergen and avoiding contact with it is crucial. Some medical professionals believe that there may be some connection between allergies and cancer, but the specific anti-cancer mechanism is currently unclear.
IV. Prevention and Treatment
Avoid allergens
The most fundamental measure for preventing allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that triggers the allergy. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, try to avoid outdoor activities during the pollen season, and wear a mask or goggles when necessary. At the same time, keep the windows closed to prevent pollen from entering the room.
Drug treatment
Antihistamines are the most commonly used drugs for treating allergic rhinitis. They can effectively alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching. Decongestants can quickly relieve nasal congestion, but they are not suitable for long-term use. Intranasal corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in the nasal cavity and are especially useful for treating nasal congestion.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a method of gradually increasing the dose of allergen to desensitize the body's immune system to the allergen. This method can achieve long-term control of allergies and reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. However, it is a long-term process that requires strict supervision by a specialist.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine have been used to treat allergic rhinitis for thousands of years in China. Studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and some traditional Chinese medicines have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
Lifestyle adjustments
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent and alleviate allergies. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest can all improve your overall immunity and reduce your risk of allergies. Reducing stress can also help alleviate allergy symptoms, as stress can worsen the immune system's response to allergens.
Conclusion
In summary, pollen allergy is a type of allergic rhinitis that is mainly caused by allergies to pollen. It is important to differentiate between colds and pollen allergies to avoid confusion in treatment. Allergy is not caused by a weakened immune system, but rather it is an immune system error that results in an abnormal response to foreign antigens. Prevention and treatment methods include avoiding allergens, drug treatment, immunotherapy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and lifestyle adjustments. With proper treatment and management, allergies can be controlled, and symptoms can be reduced or even eliminated.
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