Wearing masks can reduce the incidence rate of allergy

Recently, with heavy rainfall and seasonal changes in weather, allergies (also known as "allergic diseases") have quietly emerged, and the number of outpatient patients with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and asthma continues to increase. Yesterday, the first domestically tailored Four Seasons Healthy Living Guide for allergy patients was released at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat sen University.

Professor Yang Qintai, Vice President and Director of Allergy Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat sen University, pointed out that in the past two years, due to the protection of wearing masks, the trend of allergy incidence has significantly improved compared to previous years. The Research on the Epidemic Characteristics of Allergic Rhinitis and Allergic Conjunctivitis Based on the Internet Big Data recently released by the Third Hospital of Zhongshan and Beijing Tongren Hospital shows that wearing masks can effectively reduce the incidence rate of allergic diseases.

Guangzhou Daily Full Media Reporter Ren Shanshan Correspondents Zhen Xiaozhou and Zhou Jin'an

Why do I keep sneezing when it rains? What should I do if my child has severe rhinitis during the summer and autumn seasons and snores while breathing at night?

The confusion and troubles of the above parents are quite common in allergy clinics, and have certain commonalities in prevention and treatment, "said Professor Yang Qintai, Vice Dean and Director of Allergy (Allergy) Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat sen University. This is likely related to allergic diseases (also known as allergic diseases). This is a very common disease closely related to genetic and environmental factors, including allergic rhinitis, allergic cough, asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, etc. Professor Feng Peiying, Deputy Director of the Allergy Department at Zhongshan Third Hospital, pointed out that due to different "allergy processes", some patients may experience multiple symptoms such as respiratory, eye, and skin symptoms simultaneously or sequentially.

Yang Qintai said that during the season change, there is a continuous dry cough and itching in the throat, which usually belongs to the so-called "allergic cough". It is usually manifested as persistent cough that is difficult to cure, and the child may also have coughing and wheezing symptoms. As the most common allergic disease, allergic rhinitis is mainly divided into seasonal and perennial types. In southern regions, indoor dust mites, molds, animal fur, and other allergens are the main allergens, which can occur year-round; In addition to indoor allergens, pollen allergies are also more common in northern regions.

Allergic rhinitis that occurs in August and September in China mostly belongs to two categories: "grass pollen" (herbal plant pollen) and airway hyperresponsiveness (commonly known as "tracheal allergy"), the latter of which is related to changes in air composition and pressure during seasonal changes. When it rains or when the humidity is high, it is easy to have an episode. I have seen some patients sneeze before it rains, and they can't stop sneezing, "Yang Qintai said.

Repeated allergic attacks? First, identify the 'allergen'

Several interviewed experts pointed out that for children with recurrent allergic diseases, it is recommended that parents take their children to the hospital for allergen testing. Firstly, it is necessary to identify the true allergen, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, etc., in order to avoid allergens in daily life or undergo targeted desensitization treatment.

Skin prick test is the simplest allergen detection method, but it is susceptible to the influence of anti allergic drugs; Blood sampling for specific IgE testing results in less interference and a more comprehensive range of examination types; If necessary, allergen stimulation tests can also be conducted.

The allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in daily life are diverse and even surprising. However, the types of allergens that can be detected in clinical practice are still limited, mainly targeting dozens of common allergens for testing, which may miss some "niche" and "rare" allergens.

If the real allergen cannot be identified at the moment, don't be anxious, and put more effort into targeted treatment and daily health care.

Several experts have pointed out that the symptomatic treatment for allergic cough can be achieved through nebulization with medications such as Pulmicort, taking Montelukast sodium chewable tablets to reduce the irritation of coughing and wheezing on the respiratory tract, and taking antihistamines such as loratadine to alleviate allergic symptoms.

For allergic rhinitis, the treatment methods are also known as the "three pillars": targeted medication treatment, "targeted treatment" by avoiding allergens or desensitization treatment, and "auxiliary treatment" by using nasal flushing, standardized traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine collaborative diagnosis and treatment, or nasal health exercises.

When treating allergic rhinitis patients with sneezing and runny nose with targeted medication, washing the nose with physiological saline can provide some relief, but it does not cure the root cause. Antihistamines such as loratadine can be taken; Shuner Ning (Montelukast Sodium Chewing Tablets) is suitable for children with cough symptoms, and nasal corticosteroids can alleviate nasal congestion symptoms. Some parents believe the promotion and purchase so-called "quick acting rhinitis patches" online. Yang Qintai stated that the ingredients of this "rhinitis patch" are not clear, and it is not recommended to use drugs with unknown ingredients or hormone levels on one's own.

Prevention: Babies should play with mud more and return to a natural lifestyle

Professor Yang Qintai pointed out that allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis and asthma, require special attention to daily health care and nursing. The "Four Seasons Health Care" advocated by traditional Chinese medicine is very suitable for these patients to adhere to for a long time. Reasonable exercise can improve the body's immunity.

Professor Chen Zhuanggui, Deputy Director of the Allergy Department at Zhongshan Third Hospital, suggested that parents should wear masks for their children during seasonal changes. For example, patients with pollen allergies should avoid going to flower and forest areas during the flowering period, or wear masks with good filtering properties during outdoor activities. Patients with airway hyperresponsiveness should wear masks to protect their mouth and nose during windy or sudden temperature drops.

"Today's children live in a too clean environment since childhood. Although it can reduce the incidence of infectious diseases, it has destroyed the coordination and balance between the human body and beneficial microorganisms. Children cannot contact foreign pathogenic microorganisms, and the immune system is unbalanced due to the lack of proper exercise, thus inducing the emergence of allergies." Chen Zhuanggui pointed out that from the perspective of allergy prevention, parents can let children play more mud and return to a more natural lifestyle. In addition, advocating breastfeeding, having close contact with nature, exercising, eating a healthy diet (high fiber diet), and promoting the coordination and balance of gut microbiota; Avoid overuse of antibiotics.

Professor Chen Zhuanggui reminds that although it is now autumn, the temperature in Guangzhou is still relatively high. Some families have to keep their air conditioning on for a long time, so they should pay attention to cleaning and humidifying the air conditioning. People who are allergic to dust mites should pay attention to dust removal and mite prevention. Appropriate measures can be taken to reduce indoor dust mite concentration and avoid the occurrence of respiratory symptoms such as asthma and rhinitis. Patients who are allergic to mold should pay special attention to home mold removal, such as removing mold from green plants, towels in the washing area, shower curtains, toilets, and other places that are prone to mold growth in a timely manner.