According to the CDC WeChat official account, every spring, when willows sprout, willow catkins like snowflakes begin to float over the city. These light and fluffy objects create a poetic spring scene, but also cause many people to suffer from allergies - symptoms such as sneezing, tears, and itching come one after another. Many people directly attribute allergies to willow catkins themselves, but in fact, willow catkins themselves are not strong allergens. The real trigger for allergies is often the "invisible assassin" they carry. Only by understanding the root cause of allergies can scientific and effective protective measures be taken. The main reason for willow catkins sensitization is the mixture of seeds released by the mature and cracked capsules of willow female plants and the white hairs attached to the seeds. These filamentous hairs will quickly lose water and become fluffy after the fruit cracks and is exposed, drifting away with the wind. From April to May every year, willow trees enter the pollen period, and willow catkins also appear, becoming a common natural phenomenon in spring. Many people may think that willow catkins cause allergic symptoms, but in fact, it is the allergens such as pollen, dust, and bacteria carried by willow catkins that actually trigger allergic reactions in the human body. At the same time, the physical properties of willow catkins themselves can further exacerbate physical discomfort, and both contribute to people's allergic feelings towards willow catkins. The reason why willow catkins can become carriers of various allergens is mainly due to their structural characteristics. Willow catkins have a complex network structure and fuzzy surface, with adsorption capacity far exceeding that of ordinary dust. They can not only adsorb a large amount of pollen, but also carry a large number of microorganisms, and even become carriers of heavy metal pollutants and small particles. On busy traffic roads, a single willow catkins may even carry car exhaust particles, pollen, and bacteria at the same time, forming a composite pollutant. These types of composite pollutants can produce synergistic effects, induce immune system overreaction, release more inflammatory factors, and make allergic symptoms more severe. Among all allergens, the pollen carried by willow catkins has a sensitization rate of 99%, which is the core factor causing allergies. In addition to carrying allergens, the physical properties of willow catkins can sometimes cause physical discomfort. Willow catkins are small and lightweight fibers that easily enter the eyes, nose, and mouth of humans. The inverted hooks on their surface can directly stimulate the mucous membrane, causing physical irritation symptoms such as redness and swelling of the eyes and itching of the throat. These symptoms are similar to allergic reactions and can be easily confused. For people with allergies, this physical stimulation can further exacerbate their allergic discomfort, creating a dual dilemma of physical stimulation and allergic reactions. After clarifying the true cause of allergies, how can we scientifically protect ourselves and try to avoid the harm of allergens during the willow catkins season? One is to reduce contact. The concentration of willow catkins is related to temperature and airflow, and the peak period for willow catkins dispersal is from 10am to 4pm. During this period, solar radiation has become stronger, temperatures have risen, and airflow disturbances have become more severe. It is recommended that susceptible individuals avoid it and schedule outdoor activities in the morning or evening. When the density of willow catkins is high, try to open fewer windows and clean or spray water to humidify indoor flying catkins in a timely manner. You can also use air purifiers or air conditioners with filtering functions. The second is to do a good job of protection. Choosing effective personal protective equipment when going out, disposable medical masks can to some extent block willow catkins and carried particles. If higher-level protective masks can be worn, the effect will be even better. People with sensitive eyes can wear goggles with side protection to ensure that the frame fits the face and prevent willow catkins from entering the eyes. Wear long sleeved clothing to reduce skin contact with willow catkins. Thirdly, pay attention to cleanliness. After returning from going out, you can rinse your nasal cavity with physiological saline to remove allergens inhaled into your nasal cavity. If you go out when the pollen index is high, your clothes may absorb a large amount of willow catkins and carry allergens such as pollen and dust. Remember to change into clean clothes when you get home. Fourthly, timely intervention is necessary. Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis can use preventive medication before the season arrives; If severe allergic symptoms occur, timely treatment with anti allergic drugs should be given under the guidance of a doctor. (New Society)