Chinese herbs and acupuncture have proved effective in pollen
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Spring's arrival brings fragrant, blooming trees, green grass, singing birds, and for many, an unwanted visitor: pollen. Millions of people suffer sneezing and itchig due to mild to severe pollen allergies. This week, Beijing Today has some methods for coping with pollen allergies that don't involve hiding inside a sealed, air-conditioned box.


Pollen allergy
Each spring, tiny particles called pollen are released into the air by trees, weeds and grass. Beijing's pollen count, according to the Beijing Meteorological Bureau, hit 1,500 micrograms per cubic meter this Monday, the highest so far this seasn. Click to learn Chinese herb Radix Flavescentis (Kushen).

"Although we usually don't notice pollen floating in the air, we inhale more than two tablespoons of it per day, which can trigger a pollen allergy in some people," Yang Zhijie, a clinical therapist from the Seconivision of Peking University Third Hospital, said. Pollen is one of the most common allergens, Yang said.

Allergies can be caused by just about any substance you inhale. Your body's immune system is designed to attackharmful substances, like bacteria and viruses. With allergies, your immune system attacks substances that are basically harmless - like pollen

People of any age can develop allergies. Heredity and allergen exposure are important influences in whether allergies develop, Yang said. Moving from one part of the country to another can influence the severity and seasonality of allergy symptoms, especially when the climates and native plants are different.


Symptoms
Pollen allergy manifests itself in many common symptoms. Sneezing, watery eyes and itchy skins are the most frequent, but severe cases can include nausea, diarrhea, rhinitis, cough, headaches and even fainting. Allergies can aggravate or trigger other conditions, such as asthma, sinusitis and ear infections.


However, Yang said, signs and symptoms of pollen allergy vary from patient to patient. "Only your docto can provide an adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms, and whether they are indeed brought on by pollen," Yang said.


Western therapy
While there is no way to accurately forecast this season's pollen count, Isadoa Stehlin, an allergy specialist at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), said there are several cures that may relieve the sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes. Click to learn Chinese herb Cortex Radicis (Mudanpi).

No matter what the season brings, Stehlin said she encourages people with a pollen allergy to take control of their condition through avoidance - reducing exposure to pollens

If avoiding the pollen doesn't provide enough relief, consider medicine. Anallergist or immunologist will often prefer to offer relief and a plan to control pollen allergy symptoms. There are treatments that range from pills and nasal inhalants to shots that trick your immune system into accepting the pollen.

Antihistamines are one of the most common allergy medications, Stehlin said. Taking oral decongestants, and using inhalers and eye drops may control and treat symptoms. "Nonprescription antihistamines ar generally short acting, and often cause drowsiness," Stehlin said."Prescription medications are most effective if you take them before symptoms start," she said. If you've been skin-tested and know what you're allergic to, you should think about taking your medication earlier than usual.

Some people may want to consider allergy shots, known as immunotherapy. Over time, as the shots increase, the patient becomes less allergic as the body's tolerance increases. However, Stehlin said allergy shots don't work for everyone.  Click to learn Chinese herb Cornu Bubali (Shuiniujiao).


Chinese herbs and acupuncture
In China, acupuncture and herbal remedies have been used to combat symptoms similar to allergies for centuries. Early studies show that Chinese herbal medicine can treat eczema, while acupuncture has proved effective in relieving a number of allergic symptoms.

"Acupuncture plus Chinese herbal formulas may offer relif from seasonal allergies," Yang Guohua, a professor at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), said.A recent study published in Allergy, Yang said, concluded that a combination of Chinese herbs and weekly acupuncture sessions may be more effective than medicine at relieving symptoms of seasonal allergy.

In the study, a total of 52 patients ages 20 to 58, all diagnosed with seasonal allergies, were randomly assigned to a TCM group. In the group, patients received a standardized 20-minute acupuncture treatment once a week for six weeks, with a focus on the gallbladder, lung and liver meridians. Click to learn Chinese herb Herba Violae (Zihuadiding).

Along with acupuncture, TCM patients received a basic herbal formula of chrysanthemum, cassia seed, plantago seed and tribulus, which they were instructed to boil and drink three times per day.

The acupuncture-herb combination appeared to be well tolerated by patients, Yang said. In addition, the acupuncture-herb therapy used in the trial lasted only six weeks; the longer it is used the better the outcome will be, Yang said.


Tips to decrease your exposure to pollen

Yang offers the following tips for decreasing your exposure to allergens. They may not eliminate the discomfort of allergies, but can help make allergies less disruptive to your daily life.

1. Do a thorough spring-cleaning. Windows, bookshelves and air conditioning vents may collect pollen and prompt an allergy attack.

2. Avoid outdoor activities during the peak pollen hours: 10 am and 4 pm. It may be easier to be outdoors after a light rain.

3. Keep the windows and outside doors closed as much as possible during pollen season.

4. Wash your sheets in hot water every week. Click to learn Chinese herb Herba Andrographitis (Chuanxinlian).

5. Setting your air conditioner to recycle the air in your room is enough to filter out pollen.

6. Shower and wash your hair before bed ¨C pollen can collect on your hair and skin.

7. Keep pets that spend time outdoors out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to their fur after being outside.

8. When mowing the lawn or gardening, wear a filter mask that can filter pollen.

Article source: chinadaily

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