The doctor gave advice on how to prepare the body for an allergy to birch

The severity of seasonal birch allergies this year will depend primarily on weather conditions, so it is important for allergy sufferers to prepare in advance for the flowering period. Alexandra Gornak, an allergist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia about this on April 15.

"If the weather is dry, warm and windy, allergy symptoms may worsen. Therefore, it is important for people with hay fever to have the medications recommended by their doctor with them in advance," the specialist noted.

According to her, preventive medication should be started not at the onset of severe symptoms, but at the first signs of pollen in the air. To do this, it is recommended to monitor its concentration using special online services. This approach reduces the risk of developing a severe allergic reaction.

Gornak also allowed the possibility of temporary departure to other regions during the peak of flowering. For example, in the south of Russia, birch blooms earlier, and by the time of active pollination in the middle zone, the concentration of pollen decreases there. In regions with coniferous forests, such as Altai, its level is also lower.

The expert emphasized the effectiveness of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which affects the cause of allergies. The course of treatment lasts for several years and can be used in adults and children over the age of five.

"Minors are allergic to birch in the same way as adults: runny nose, sneezing, lacrimation and itching. Symptoms most often occur between the ages of three and ten and can worsen over time without treatment. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to limit outdoor activities in dry, windy weather, change clothes after a walk, and regularly rinse the mucous membranes. Indoors, it is important to use air purification systems or carry out wet cleaning," the allergist explained.

The expert also noted the risk of cross-allergy. In some patients, apples, carrots, nuts and other foods may cause a reaction due to the similarity of proteins with birch pollen. In such cases, it is necessary to individually select the diet together with the doctor.

On March 25, Marina Peredelskaya, an allergist and immunologist at the consultative and diagnostic department of Moscow City Clinical Hospital No. 24, reported that freshly squeezed juices from apples and carrots can cause cross-allergy in people with sensitivity to plant pollen. According to her, such drinks also include birch juice and celery smoothie.

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