[Kok! Health] "In Spring When Pollen Flies, Beware of Bronchitis and Asthma"

As the amount of pollen increases in spring, advice has been given to be cautious of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma, especially for allergy patients.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Kyung Hee University Hospital on the 7th, the incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis increases in spring due to pollen and fine dust. In particular, asthma symptoms are common bronchial diseases affecting about 1 in 10 people in Korea. The prevalence by age group is highest in children and somewhat decreases in people in their 20s and 30s. However, recently, the number of elderly asthma patients aged 65 and older is rapidly increasing.

Common spring pollen antigens include wind-pollinated trees such as oak, birch, and alder, which are abundant in Korea. Pollen typically starts to disperse in early March and is observed heavily in the air from late March to early May.

To prevent pollen allergies, it is best to reduce contact with allergens. It is advisable to avoid going outside during the morning when pollen disperses heavily and to keep windows closed. Wearing a mask designed for fine dust is recommended when going out. For asthma patients triggered by pollen, consistently using inhaled topical steroids before symptoms appear helps prevent attacks. Immunotherapy, which involves gradually administering allergens via subcutaneous injection or sublingual therapy for about 3 to 5 years, can prevent allergies.

Patients with allergic rhinitis should also be cautious of pollen allergies. Allergic rhinitis caused by pollen is accompanied by symptoms such as sneezing and watery nasal discharge. This is because pollen entering the nose during breathing causes allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to chronic sinusitis, leading to headaches and olfactory disorders.

To relieve symptoms, it is necessary to identify and treat the exact cause of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion. Seasonal allergic rhinitis can be prevented by treatment 1 to 2 weeks before symptom onset, so early treatment is important. Surgery may be required in severe cases, but most allergic rhinitis can be alleviated through specialist treatment and lifestyle improvements.

It is also advisable to be cautious when eating fruit. It has been reported that 41.7% of patients with pollen allergies experience oral allergy syndrome, where eating raw fruit causes itching and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, the areas that come into contact with the food.

Professor Son Kyung-hee of the Department of Respiratory and Allergy Medicine at Kyung Hee University Hospital advised, "When pollen disperses heavily, avoid going outside, and if you must go out, wear a mask or sunglasses to prevent pollen from entering the nose or eyes."

Professor Son Kyung-hee, Department of Respiratory and Allergy Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital. [Photo by Kyung Hee University Hospital]

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