Spring is the time of high incidence of pollen allergies
Multiple cities across the country
Recent pollen concentrations have been very high
Beijing is among them
Many citizens go out to enjoy the flowers or go out
began to appear
Allergic symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, eczema, etc
Wang Xueyan, director of the allergy center of Beijing Shijitan Hospital, said that at present, Beijing is in the peak pollen period, which will last until the end of April. She said that although this year's pollen period was later than last year, the pollen concentration rose relatively quickly, so patients generally had more severe symptoms.
Pollen encounters severe convective weather
Patients with "thunderstorm asthma" gather to see a doctor
If there is a strong convective weather during the pollen season, it can also trigger an acute attack of "thunderstorm asthma".
On the evening of April 1, the central city of Chongqing ushered in a thunderstorm. From 0:00 to 1:00 a.m. on the 2nd, nearly 30 patients with "thunderstorm asthma" came to the emergency department of the Jiangnan Branch of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Their symptoms are generally severe cough, shortness of breath, obvious wheezing, combined with allergic rhinitis and a recent history of upper respiratory tract infection.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma refers to the acute attack or exacerbation of bronchial asthma that occurs during or immediately after a thunderstorm, which mostly occurs during the pollen season, and can be manifested as a large-scale outbreak of asthma in a localized area, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and can be life-threatening in severe cases. Most patients with allergies suddenly develop asthma symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, wheezing, and laryngeal edema induced by thunderstorms. According to the doctor, "thunderstorm asthma" is an acute attack, generally showing a group of attacks, many patients have a simultaneous attack of the disease, can occur in people of any age. Some studies have suggested that the cold air currents before a thunderstorm can carry pollen or mold particles into the clouds, and the moisture and lightning in the clouds can burst the pollen particles, releasing smaller particles that are easier to enter the respiratory tract.
Prevents pollen allergies and thunderstorm asthma
How to prevent pollen allergies and "thunderstorm asthma"?
- Prompt screening for allergens
If you have hay fever, be sure to go to the hospital to have your allergens checked. Only when it is clear which pollen allergy is it can we give a targeted prevention and treatment plan. Under the guidance of a doctor, preventive medication two weeks before the peak pollen season can partially reduce the symptoms of the peak pollen season.
- Protect yourself in advance
It is recommended that people with pollen sensitivity wear masks and take personal protective measures during the period when the pollen index is high. In the weather with high pollen concentrations, even healthy people should take protective measures, allergies are not exclusive to young people, and they can be induced before the age of 60. Although allergic rhinitis may seem to have minor symptoms, if left untreated early, it can lead to sinusitis, otitis media, and even asthma.
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and pollen monitoring
Especially for thunderstorms or weather changes, it is recommended to close doors and windows and stay indoors as much as possible when thunderstorms occur. When pollen concentrations are elevated, minimize outdoor activities as well.
- Clean up in time when you return from the outdoors
When returning from the outdoors, rinse the nose and face with salt water or water.
"Remember, it's not that the treatment starts when the symptoms of the pollen period come, and it doesn't matter after the remission period. Wang Xueyan especially reminded the public with pollen allergies that the best period for treatment is the pollen remission period, during which patients can undergo desensitization treatment, which is also the only treatment for the cause.
Do you have a friend with pollen allergies?
Forward! Remind everyone
Content source: Beijing Daily client
Editor: North City
Editor-in-Chief on duty: Che Shui
Producer: Zhao Peng
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