Back to list 2020-01-13 11:03:48

The beautiful days are back in China!

Pleasant weather and longer days enhance people to wander around the city and to take parks, terraces by storm. Unfortunately, this sweet spring air can turn into a real nightmare for an increasing numbers of people. Itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion and runny nose… Worldwide, the hay fever affects 10% to 30% of the population. This seasonal allergy can appears in many different ways but no matter what your symptoms are, they shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the most enjoyable season.

What is hay fever?

According to the ACAAI (American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology) the allergic rhinitis also known as the hay fever is a seasonal allergic reaction to pollen. The body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance: the pollen in the air. Common reactions are runny nose, itchy eyes/nose, sneezing, watery eyes and blocked nose.

There are three types of pollen and a specific season for each of them:

-    Tree pollen: late March – mid-May

-    Grass pollen: mid-May - July

-    Weed pollen: late June - September

MSH CHINA has found for you 10 easy tips to follow to make it through the seasonal allergies with the least effects on your daily life.

1. Seeking medical advice

The first thing is to be sure you’re affected by hay fever. Allergist can easily test your body’s reaction to various allergens through a blood or skin prick test. This will help to receive the best treatment depending on your symptom’s level.

2. Track the pollen count

Many great resources are accessible to check the pollen forecast anytime and anywhere in the world. You can even allow app to send you notification when the pollen count is rising.

The website weather.com thanks to their allergy tracker, gives you precious informations about the pollen count. They also allow you to personalize your allergy forecast by choosing which pollen affects you the most. (https://weather.com/forecast/allergy/l/CHXX0008:1:CH)

Sensio Air is an app that lets you check the allergen count but also the pollution forecast, weather, particle count and harmful gas. You can even log your symptoms and learn what is causing your issues.

3. Early medication is the key

According to allergists, people with hay fever should start using nasal sprays and antihistamines two weeks before symptoms usually start. Knowing which type of pollen you are suffering from is important: you could take the right medicine at the right time to prevent your future symptoms.

4. Keep your house pollen-free

Even if pollen is mostly happening outside, it can be carried into your home on clothing or by pets.

These are some easy tips you can follow to avoid a pollen-invasion in your house during seasonal allergies:

-    Change your clothes when you come in from outdoors

-    Take a shower (pollen can stick to your skin and body hair)

-    Brush or give a bath to your pets