🌸What If You Want to See Cherry Blossoms, but You Have Pollen Allergies?

Note: Please understand that this translation was done by AI.

 

Hello!

This is Cube Eye 😁 from Gangnam Cube Eye Clinic.

 

Spring has finally arrived~!

When you think of "spring," what comes to mind first?

For me, spring = cherry blossoms.

It feels like cherry blossoms have become more of

a symbol of spring than forsythia these days ^^

Don’t you feel the same way?

But here's the thing,

Some people might not be able to

enjoy these beautiful blooming cherry blossoms.

These are people who have pollen allergies.

So, does pollen allergy really come from 'flower pollen'?

Today, we'll explain everything about pollen allergies:

what they are, where they come from, and how to manage them.

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What is Pollen Allergy?

🌸Allergens?

An allergen is an antigen that causes allergic diseases.

🌸Allergy?

An allergy is a reaction where the body's immune system

responds to a specific allergen,

leading to an excessive antigen-antibody

reaction, which causes the body to reject it.

🌸Pollen Allergy

So, what is pollen allergy?

Pollen allergy is one of the most common

allergens in Korea, right after dust mites.

However, the main sources of pollen that trigger

allergies are not the flowers we think of

(like the pretty flowers blooming in spring)

but rather pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses!

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Main Plants that Trigger Pollen Allergies

So, what types of plants cause pollen allergies?

As mentioned earlier, pollen comes from trees, weeds,

and grasses, and the plants that trigger allergies

change depending on the season. Let's take a look!

📍 Spring Pollen

🌲 Birch Trees

Pollen is released from late February to May, making it one of the major allergens during spring.

🌲 Hazel Trees

Along with birch trees, hazel trees contribute to spring allergies.

🌲 Oak Trees

They bloom in April to May, releasing pollen that triggers allergies.

📍Summer to Fall Pollen

🌿 Ragweed

Pollen is released from August to October and is a very strong allergen.

🌿 Mugwort

Known as a major cause of pollen allergies in the fall.

🌿 Japanese Hop (Hops)

From mid-August to early October, this plant is another strong allergen during the fall season.

📍Other Plants

🌲 Cedar Trees

Pollen is mainly released from February to April, with the highest levels in March.

🌲 Alder Trees

Pollen is released from late January to early March, affecting people earlier than cedar trees.

🌲 Pine Trees

They affect people mainly from late April to May, and their pollen is yellowish and released in large amounts.

Have you ever seen yellowish dust on parked black cars during spring? That’s pine pollen.

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Symptoms of Pollen Allergy

What are the main symptoms of pollen allergies?

It can be confusing, as the symptoms resemble those of rhinitis. Let’s take a closer look.

 

✔ Sneezing, clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion

✔ Itchy eyes

✔ Conjunctivitis

✔ (In severe cases) Asthma and difficulty breathing

 

Symptoms of pollen allergies often resemble rhinitis since pollen allergy is one of the causes of rhinitis.

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How to Prevent Pollen Allergies

▪ Now, you might be wondering if there’s a way to prevent pollen allergies.

▪ Let me share some tips with you.

📢 Before Going Outside

▪ Wear a mask to block pollen from entering your nose and mouth.

▪ Check the pollen levels before you go out.

(You can check pollen levels on the Korea Meteorological Administration's website).

📢 Indoor Environment Management

▪ Ventilate your room during times when pollen levels are low, and do it for a short period.

▪ Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clean indoor air.

▪ Wash bedding frequently in hot water (55°C or above).

▪ Increase the frequency of cleaning with a high-performance vacuum cleaner.

📢 After Going Outside

▪ Shake off your clothes and wash your hands thoroughly to remove pollen.

▪ Take a shower to wash off any pollen that might have stuck to your body.

▪ Use saline nasal irrigation once a day to ensure that pollen doesn’t stay on your mucous membranes.

📢 When Using a Car

▪ Use the air circulation mode in your car to minimize the intake of outside air.

📢 Preventive Medication

▪ Consult with your doctor for appropriate medication and use it at the right time.

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Did you find this helpful?

Many people often think that pollen allergies come from the powder released by flowers like cherry blossoms and forsythia, but in fact, it's from trees, weeds, and grasses. Surprised, right?

I was also shocked when I first learned this!

For those with pollen allergies, it’s important to take preventive measures throughout the three seasons (excluding winter) to maintain a healthy life.

If you frequently suffer from pollen-induced conjunctivitis, it’s a good idea to visit a nearby ophthalmologist for treatment. Also, rinsing your eyes regularly with artificial tears can be beneficial.

(And never direct shower water at your eyes!!!)

We’ll be back with more useful information next time!

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