Spring Pollen Allergies: What to Do? (Service Window)

● Hay fever symptoms are similar to those of a cold; accurate differentiation is important. Hay fever does not cause fever, muscle aches, or other signs of infection. It has a clear seasonal pattern, with typical symptoms including itchy nose, itchy eyes, tearing, and sneezing.

● For most patients, the most important medication is nasal corticosteroids.

● Standard treatment emphasizes adequate dosage, sufficient duration, and early medication, rather than emergency measures after symptoms appear.

● Before going out, check “three things”: the time, the weather, and the forecast.

● For outdoor activities, wear the “three-piece set”: N95 or medical surgical mask, goggles or sealed sunglasses, and smooth-surfaced long-sleeve shirt and pants.

Pleasant spring weather, flowers blooming. During this season, some people prepare to enjoy outings and flower viewing, but others can only gaze at the spring scenery with longing—suffering from an extremely itchy nose, endless sneezing, unstoppable clear nasal discharge, red, itchy, and sore eyes, and in severe cases, nighttime coughing that disrupts sleep, even breathing feels stuffy. They may have hay fever.

What are the symptoms of hay fever? What measures can relieve them?

“Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is essentially an abnormal immune response to certain pollen in the air, classified as an allergic disease,” says Dr. Wang Zixi, Deputy Director of the Department of Allergology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Common allergic conditions include allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by itchy nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, tearing, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge. Some patients also experience sore throat, itchy ears, cough, or even chest tightness and wheezing.

Hay fever symptoms can resemble those of a cold. How to distinguish? Dr. Wang explains that colds are infectious diseases mainly caused by viruses, often accompanied by fever, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches, with no clear seasonal pattern. Hay fever is an allergic inflammatory condition, often with strong seasonality, occurring at specific times each year.

“Hay fever can be treated,” says Dr. Wang. “First, with medication. For most patients, nasal corticosteroids are the key treatment, possibly combined with second-generation antihistamines based on the condition, and some may need leukotriene receptor antagonists.” It’s important to note that proper treatment involves adequate dosage, sufficient course, and early use, rather than emergency measures after symptoms worsen.

Experts suggest that individuals with confirmed allergens, moderate to severe hay fever, symptoms affecting quality of life, poor response to medication, or intolerance to side effects should consult a specialist for desensitization therapy. Currently, desensitization injections include drugs like Spesolimab and Omalizumab. Spesolimab is effective for allergic rhinitis, moderate to severe asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Omalizumab can treat moderate to severe allergic asthma and significantly reduce nasal and conjunctival inflammation in hay fever patients, but IgE levels must be tested before injection. Contraindications for desensitization injections include uncontrolled severe asthma and immune system diseases. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should be evaluated by a specialist before starting therapy.

If specific symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly. Dr. Wang reminds that, besides nasal and eye symptoms, recurrent cough, chest tightness, and wheezing—especially if worse at night—may indicate allergic asthma. Also, itching lips or oral discomfort after eating certain fruits or nuts, or even systemic reactions, could be cross-reactions between pollen and food. If these symptoms appear, visit an allergist for assessment and treatment to prevent worsening.

Spring is a great time for outdoor activities. How to protect yourself?

Ma Tingting, Chief Physician at Beijing Shijitan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, recommends “three checks” before going out: check the time—pollen levels peak from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so avoid outdoor activities during this period; check the weather—clear, dry, and windy days have the most pollen dispersal, while thunderstorms and strong convection can cause rapid pollen spread, so stay indoors; check the forecast—monitor local weather reports on pollen levels.

Wear the “three-piece set” for protection: wear a mask—preferably N95 or medical surgical masks, as regular cotton masks cannot block pollen particles; wear goggles or sealed sunglasses to prevent pollen from entering the eyes and causing allergic conjunctivitis; wear smooth-surfaced long-sleeve shirts and pants, such as windbreakers or raincoats, to avoid pollen adhering to fuzzy clothing.

After returning home, follow “three steps” to keep pollen outside: change clothes—remove outerwear at the door, do not bring it into the bedroom, hang it in a ventilated place or wash it directly; wash—rinse your face, gargle, and rinse your eyes with water; flush—use saline solution to rinse your nasal passages.