The doctor named the differences between seasonal allergies and acute respiratory viral infections

With the arrival of spring, the flowering period of plants begins, which can provoke seasonal allergies — hay fever. On March 6, Zlata Ermakova, an allergist and immunologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about the causes of the disease, its symptoms and methods of prevention.

According to the expert, pollen from trees and plants is not dangerous by itself. However, in people with hypersensitivity, the immune system perceives it as an irritant, which leads to the development of allergic inflammation.

The concentration of pollen in the air depends on the climate, geographical features and vegetation of the region. For example, in Moscow and other Russian cities, pollen allergens are monitored during the flowering season, so that people with allergies can track periods of active plant pollination. The most favorable conditions for pollen propagation are formed in warm, sunny weather with sufficient humidity. Drought or prolonged rains, on the contrary, can reduce its concentration. The maximum pollen level is usually recorded in the early morning hours.

"The middle part of Russia is characterized by three main periods of flowering of plants that cause allergic reactions. In spring, trees are most often polluted — birch, alder, hazel, oak and ash. In early summer, grasses become the main allergens, and in late summer and early autumn, weeds such as wormwood and quinoa," the doctor explained.

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She noted that hay fever can occur at any age and is characterized by pronounced seasonality. The most common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, frequent sneezing, impaired sense of smell, redness of the eyes, coughing, itchy skin and rashes. In severe cases, the disease can progress without treatment and lead to the development of bronchial asthma.

Ermakova also drew attention to the phenomenon of cross-allergy. People who are sensitive to tree pollen may also have an allergic reaction when eating certain foods, such as nuts, apples, cherries, carrots, celery, or kiwis. Such reactions can manifest as mild itching in the mouth area, as well as more serious symptoms.

To reduce the severity of allergies, the doctor recommends that, if possible, limit contact with pollen during the flowering period of plants. In particular, you should go outside less often in the early morning and in dry, hot weather, keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and shower more often after returning home.

"If you start to notice the first signs of allergies in yourself or your loved ones, do not wait for the disease to develop — you need to see a doctor in a timely manner," Ermakova emphasized.

According to the specialist, allergy treatment includes drug therapy prescribed by an allergist-immunologist, as well as allergen-specific immunotherapy. This method reduces the body's sensitivity to allergens and in some cases provides long-term remission.

On February 27, Konstantin Letts-Orletsov, a doctor, said that pollen allergy, against which a vaccine is being developed in Russia, is considered one of the most common. He noted that in addition to pollen, food products, house dust and dust mites, wool, dandruff or saliva of pets, mold spores and medicines are also common allergens.

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