According to the news on CDC's WeChat official account, spring is coming, the flowers are blooming just right, but your nose is beginning to "rebel". Do you have a series of sneezes every morning when you wake up? Is it like going out to admire a flower and coming back with a face full of snot and tears? The tissues on the table are faster to use than drinking water. At this moment, there will always be someone around who cares and says, "Oh, have you caught a cold? Pay attention to the weather during the season." Wait a minute! If this' cold 'comes on time more than the alarm clock and doesn't improve after two or three weeks, then you need to be alert - it's likely not a cold, but rather allergic rhinitis coming knocking on your door. Allergic rhinitis not only affects quality of life, but if not controlled, it may also lead to more serious health problems. Today, let's talk about the "troublesome essence" that is prevalent in spring and provide a set of practical coping methods. What is allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis is actually an overreaction of the immune system to certain harmless substances in the environment. Pollen, dust mites, pet hair, and other substances (medically referred to as "allergens") have little effect on most people, but in individuals with allergies, the immune system mistakenly recognizes them as "invaders" and releases inflammatory mediators such as histamine, causing a series of symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itching, and sometimes eye itching, tears, etc. Cold vs. Allergic Rhinitis, Three Tips to Easily Distinguish. Many people treat rhinitis as a cold and take turns taking various cold medicines, but the symptoms do not subside at all. In fact, to distinguish between a cold and allergic rhinitis, it is enough to focus on three key points: the characteristics of nasal mucus: in the early stages of a cold, it is watery, and after a few days, it will become viscous and yellow; Allergic rhinitis always presents as clear water, with a large volume and frequent flow. Accompanying symptoms: Cold is often accompanied by fever, sore throat, and overall body aches; Allergic rhinitis is mainly concentrated in the nose and eyes, and generally does not cause fever. Duration and pattern: A cold usually resolves on its own within 3-7 days; Allergic rhinitis can last for weeks or even months, recurring and worsening especially in spring or when exposed to allergens. Why is spring the "peak season"? In spring, all things come back to life, and allergens also enter the "active period". Pollen is the primary culprit. Spring is the season for trees and flowers to pollinate. Wind pollinated pollen particles are small and easily scattered with the wind, which can enter the nasal cavity and cause allergies. Dust mites and mold cannot be ignored either. Dust mites mainly inhabit bed sheets, bedding, carpets, and other places, while molds prefer to breed in damp environments. Spring is warm and humid, providing ideal conditions for their reproduction. 4、 How to deal with spring allergic rhinitis and avoid contact with allergens. Pay attention to pollen forecast: During periods of high pollen concentration, try to minimize outdoor activities and wear masks when going out. Maintain indoor cleanliness: Change bed sheets and covers frequently (recommended to clean with hot water above 60 ℃), use an air purifier, and keep the room ventilated and dry. Reduce contact with pets: If allergic to pet dander, avoid pets entering the bedroom and regularly give pets a bath. Scientific medication can alleviate symptoms. Oral antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine can quickly relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. Nasal corticosteroids, such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, are currently the first-line treatment drugs and should be used regularly. Anti allergic eye drops: If accompanied by obvious eye itching, Olotadine eye drops can be used. Nasal irrigation using physiological saline can flush away allergens and secretions, and improve ventilation. It is recommended to rinse once in the morning and once in the evening, especially after going out and returning home. 5、 A few issues to be aware of: Don't drag rhinitis into a more troublesome disease. Bronchial asthma: About 40% of rhinitis patients will also have asthma. Sinusitis: can cause headaches and purulent nasal discharge. Secretory otitis media: can cause hearing loss. Allergic conjunctivitis: itching, redness, and tearing of the eyes. Don't believe in folk remedies that can cure allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a chronic disease, just like hypertension, and it cannot be cured yet, but it is completely controllable. Most of the folk remedies that claim to 'cure the root' lack scientific basis. Under what circumstances do I need to see a doctor? If the symptoms severely affect sleep and work, or if self medication is ineffective, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Doctors can develop personalized plans through allergen testing and consider desensitization treatment if necessary. (New Society)