The doctor talked about ways to deal with seasonal allergies.

Flowering plants and high levels of pollen in the air can cause not only a runny nose, but also more severe allergic reactions, which is especially dangerous for people with bronchial asthma. Olga Gromadina, an allergist and immunologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, chief specialist of the Semeynaya clinic network, told Izvestia on March 1 about how to cope with seasonal allergies and minimize its impact on health.

According to the doctor, with the arrival of spring, many people face spring hay fever or pollen allergy, which greatly affects the quality of life. It is during the warm season that pollen from about 100 thousand different plant species can be in the air. However, the danger is mainly wind-pollinated species (about 10% of the total), of which about 100-195 species are allergenic.

As the doctor explained, just contact with pollen is not enough to develop allergies. An important role is played by a genetic predisposition — the tendency of the immune system to overreact. So, when internal (genetics) and external (ecology, pollen concentration) factors coincide, an allergic reaction occurs.

In spring, hay fever can manifest itself not only with a runny nose, but also with more serious allergic reactions that make it difficult to breathe, cause itching, lacrimation, redness of the eyes and skin rashes. In severe cases, allergies can lead to attacks of suffocation, which is especially dangerous for people with asthma.

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"At the same time, the disease progresses without control. Mild rhinitis can develop into bronchial asthma (the so-called "allergic march"). Acute allergic reactions, such as Quincke's edema, are also possible and pose a threat to life. Therefore, the symptoms cannot be ignored," said Hromadina.

The allergist emphasized that you should seek medical help immediately at the first symptoms of an allergy. In addition, one of the most important self-help methods is prevention, aimed at minimizing contact with the allergen.

"In the season of active dusting, it is worth limiting your stay outside, especially in windy weather, on dry sunny days and before the start of rain and thunderstorms. The best time to walk and ventilate the room is after a prolonged rain. It is also recommended to use special applications and services for monitoring air quality and pollen levels in it," the expert said.

Some foods can cause reactions similar to the symptoms of hay fever. For example, apples, nuts, and carrots can trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to birch. In such cases, it is important to avoid the use of cross-allergens, Hromadina added.

Also, to relieve allergy symptoms, the doctor recommended using second-generation antihistamines that reduce itching and do not cause drowsiness. In more severe cases, other medications may be required.

On February 27, Yandex Weather meteorologists said that the beginning of spring in 2026 will be colder, especially in the European part of Russia, and therefore the flowering season will begin later than last year. In addition, experts have found that the duration of the growing season, in which the growth, flowering and dusting of plants begins, can vary greatly depending on the region.

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