Spring allergies

In spring, the temperature gradually rises, the sun shines, the flowers bloom, and the charming spring scenery is everywhere. It is a good time to go out for an outing. While we are intoxicated by the spring scenery, some people suffer from unbearable allergies. Spring is the peak season for many diseases, many of which are caused by allergies.

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I originally wanted to go out to enjoy the romantic and beautiful spring, but how come it has become a season that people with allergies need to protect themselves? To figure this out, let's first understand what allergies are? Our human body has a sophisticated immune system that can identify and eliminate foreign invading germs and harmful substances. Normally, the immune system will only identify and eliminate microbial pathogens that threaten human health. However, the immune system of some people sometimes over-defends, treating some harmless substances, such as pollen and certain foods, as invaders that harm the body and eliminate them. This overreaction of the immune system can damage some normal cells, tissues and organs in the human body, causing local or even systemic allergic reactions.

In general, allergic reactions are not a sign of low immunity or lack of immunity, but rather an overreaction of the immune system.

Allergy symptoms vary. Mild symptoms include skin and mucous membrane reactions, such as itchy skin, rash, itchy eyes, red and swollen eyes, sneezing, and tears. Severe symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest tightness, palpitations, numbness of the limbs, tracheospasm, pulmonary edema, and even shock. There are two main causes of allergies.

First, allergic constitution is mainly caused by genetics. Second, the environment is the presence of substances in the environment that make people prone to allergies.

The substances that cause allergies are varied and numerous. We have summarized several common types of allergens.

1. Inhaled allergens: This type of allergen mainly triggers allergic reactions through breathing, including pollen, dust, cold air, animal dander, dust mites, car exhaust, paint, etc.

2. Ingestion allergens. As the name implies, this type of allergen mainly causes allergic reactions through human ingestion. This type of allergen mainly includes milk, eggs, fish and shrimp, beef and mutton, alcohol, chocolate, onion, ginger, condiments, etc.

3. Contact allergens: Contact allergic reactions are allergic reactions that occur after contact with the skin. These allergens mainly include hot and cold air, ultraviolet rays, pollen, metals, chemical fiber products, chemical reagents, cosmetics, etc.

4. Drug allergens. Drug allergens that cause allergic reactions include a variety of antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin.

5. Other factors: These factors include excessive mental stress, microbial infection, ionizing radiation, and allergic reactions caused by exercise and female pregnancy.

Some people may wonder, these allergens exist all year round, why is spring the peak season for allergies? In spring, compared with winter, the intensity of ultraviolet rays in the sun will suddenly increase, and the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays will also increase, which is easy to cause various skin allergies. Spring is also the season when many plants bloom and animals and bacteria are active. Pollen and animal dander in the air also gradually increase, which are all allergens that may cause allergies.

At the same time, spring is also the season when some allergenic foods are concentrated on the market. Sometimes we are busy satisfying our appetite, but we accidentally get allergic reactions. If you have a history of allergies, it is recommended that you try to avoid going out in the spring. If you really need to go out, try to take good protection, wear a mask, block the sun, stay away from pollen, animal dander and other allergens that are easy to cause allergic reactions. Try not to provoke outdoors. Insect bites outdoors can also easily cause skin allergies. When you have an allergic reaction, do not listen to folk remedies and treat yourself. It is strongly recommended that you go to a regular hospital for treatment in time.

Of course, if you can clearly identify what you are allergic to, you can take better protective and avoidance measures in advance. You may want to go to the hospital for an allergen test, which will give you a more intuitive understanding of your allergens.

The article is produced by Science Popularization China-Starry Sky Project (Creation and Cultivation). Please indicate the source when reprinting.

Author: Zong Weimin, a popular science writer

Reviewer: Zhang Wenjuan, deputy chief physician of the Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Fourth People's Hospital of Chenzhou City, Hunan Province