Experts give advice to deal with pollen allergies

Allergic rhinitis can be prevented with sufficient self-protection measures and cured with surgery, experts have advised millions of patients coping with spring pollen.

Allergic rhinitis involves a series of symptoms a patient may develop after contacting allergens and triggering an immune reaction, such as a runny, itchy or stuffy nose. If not well treated, the condition may lead to more serious ones, such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, otitis media, dysosmia and even bronchial asthma, which can be fatal, Liu Yang, deputy director of the otolaryngology head and neck surgery department at China-Japan Friendship Hospital, said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

"The incidence of allergic rhinitis is growing annually, and more people at a younger age have it," he said.

Most common allergens are inhaled (such as mites, mildew, dander and pollen) or ingested via milk or seafood.

"The best way to avoid allergic rhinitis is not to contact allergens — for example, wearing a face mask when going out during pollen season or using an air purifier at home or in the car to reduce pollen concentrations," Liu said.

Patients can also take oral or nasal antihistamines if the symptoms are mild. If the therapeutic effect is not good, a nasal hormone is suggested.

"Compared with oral hormones and intravenous hormone, the nasal hormone is safer, as its metabolism is mainly at the nose instead of the whole body, which may cause side effects," he said.

Desensitization therapy and surgery can also cure the condition, Liu said, adding that by cutting certain neurovascular bundles, symptoms can be effectively controlled.

Zhang Yongming, associate chief physician at the hospital's department of respiratory and critical care medicine, said at the event that the number of patients with asthma reached about 45.7 million in China, and two-thirds of the cases are allergic asthma. Among those people, about 79 percent have allergic rhinitis.

He suggested patients control allergic rhinitis properly to avoid its developing into asthma. They should also avoid direct stimulation from smoke, dust and cold air, as well as intense exercise.

In sand storms, the air is filled with sand, dust and pollen. Zhang suggested reducing the frequency of going out and when outdoors to wear a cap, kerchief, scarf or face mask to shield from possible allergens.

"And after going indoors, it's suggested to clean the body immediately," he added.