The onset of spring also means the arrival of the “hay fever season,” leaving many of us suffering from itchy eyes and sneezing. Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) is mainly due to pollen from trees, and Beijing is notorious for its annual explosion of poplar and willow tree pollen that coats the city in a fluffy haze.

Beijing’s trees and flowers are likely to be very different from those in your home country. So although most expats with severe spring allergies usually have improved symptoms in the capital, others with no previous history suddenly find themselves suffering from this unwanted springtime guest.

Fortunately, hay fever is usually only mildly irritating for most people. And it’s also fairly easy to treat. The simplest treatments are the over-the-counter (OTC) non-sedating allergy pills.

The most common one is loratadine, which in China is usually called Clarityne (try 氯雷他定片 lǜ léi tā dìng piàn at your pharmacy). This is a once-a-day pill, which is safe for children over two years old; for many people, this is all they need. For young children, it comes in liquid and chewable forms as well.

There is also diphenhydramine (known to many as Benadryl or 盐酸苯海拉明片 yánsuān běn hǎi lā míng piàn). This is very effective but needs to be taken more often, and sleepiness is a common side effect. Diphenhydramine is usually the sedating ingredient in all the popular OTC sleeping pills, such as Tylenol PM.

Those of you bothered by itchy, red eyes can try one of the many OTC eyedrops – naphazoline (萘甲唑林 nài jiǎ zuò lín) is a popular choice. Doctors can also prescribe stronger and longer-lasting eyedrops if the OTC varieties don’t offer enough relief.

If OTC medicines aren’t doing the trick, a doctor can prescribe stronger eyedrops as well as a group of special steroid nasal sprays (鼻用类固醇喷剂 bí yòng lèigùchún pēn jì). These once-a-day nasal sprays usually do a terrific job and also can be used safely in children. Some kids and adults with severe hay fever need to be on both a daily pill and a nasal spray during the entire allergy season. This is very safe and won’t cause any long-term damage.

But not every nasal spray is created equal. Many people overuse the OTC spray oxymetazoline (known in the US as Afrin, or 盐酸羟甲唑啉喷雾剂 yánsuān qiāng jiǎ zuò lín pēnwù jì). This works very well for a runny nose, but after using it for 3-5 days your body develops rebound congestion, at which stage you need to stop using the spray. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly continue using it for weeks without realizing that their chronic congestion is caused now by medicine, and not allergies.

Don’t forget about the simple things. Try to avoid the specific allergen that is bothering you. Also, nasal rinsing with salt water has done wonders for many people bothered by severe hay fever. Even for those on multiple medications, this twice-a-day nasal clearing out of all the inhaled dust and pollen spores can really help both kids and adults. Plus, it’s practically free and almost harmless – if you can get past the “ick” factor.

And don’t forget that itchy eyes, or chronic sneezing, cough, and congestion may not be allergies at all. A red eye may be an infection; a chronic cough at night may be the first sign of asthma. If you’ve tried the above treatments and still have symptoms, it’s time to visit your doctor.

READ: Curse of the Catkins: A Brief History of Beijing’s Blinding White Fluff

Photo: The Star

Dear BJU Pharmacist,

It’s spring in Beijing and my allergies are starting up. Every year my allergies keep me from enjoying the beautiful spring weather because I’m stuck inside with watery eyes and a runny nose. Is there anything I can do to beat allergy season this year?

Thanks!
– Sneezing in the Jing

Dear Sneezing in the Jing,

The weather is warmer and trees are in bloom.  Spring is upon us.  But for many of us, spring also means allergies: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and more. Luckily there are steps you can take to reduce to keep your allergies from getting you down this year. After all, springtime should be about enjoying the green in Beijing, not dreading it.

1.Natural supplements

Natural supplements boost your immune system and reduce the need for common OTC allergy medications, such as anti-histamines and decongestants.

Vitamin C
The most common complaints during allergy season, such as watery eye, sniffing, itchy throat and sneezing, are caused by one bad guy-histamine. Histamine is a natural chemical produced by the body’s immune system that causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction, e.g., the red, itchy bump after a mosquito bite. Vitamin C is histamine’s natural foe because it prevents its formation. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is safe even at high doses. I recommend 2000-4000 mg per day for optimal immune support.

Probiotics
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that live in our guts. Taking a broad-spectrum probiotic supplement, which contains 10-15 billion cells per capsule, can increase your immunity and decrease the likelihood of experiencing allergy symptoms. Research as also shown that children who take probiotic supplements are less prone to developing allergies later in life. It’s best to take your probiotic supplements daily, either before bed or first thing in the morning on empty stomach.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are fats commonly found in oils from marine animals and plants, such as salmon and flaxseed. They have been shown to support good health in a variety of ways. They can also help you beat your allergy symptoms! Omega-3s reduce inflammation in your sinuses and strengthen your immune system so that your body is ready to fight off allergens more effectively. When choosing Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, I recommend the ones that come from plants or algae to avoid possible risks associated with some fish. 

Quercetin
Quercetin may sound new to you, but you consume it all the time. It is a plant pigment found in many plant-based foods such as red wine, onions, apples, berries and green tea. Quercetin has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help to stabilize an over-active immune system. It is effective in reducing allergy attacks, hives, and other respiratory symptoms. I recommend taking 250-500 mg two to three times daily. You may feel better after two weeks but continuing to take quercetin will help control allergy symptoms throughout the season.

2.Saline nasal spray

Saline nasal spray is a dilute solution of salt and water that is soothing and cleansing. Daily rinsing can prevent the allergens from building up in your nasal cavities and trapping bacteria, which can cause further illness. It also reduces uncomfortable nasal inflammation. I recommend starting daily saline nasal rinsing before allergy season for optimal outcome. You can also use saline spray whenever you have a dry nose or thick mucus.

3. Drink up

Believe it or not, staying hydrated can do a lot to relieve your allergy symptoms. Dehydration triggers the body to release histamine (the bad guy, remember him?). Drinking 8-10 glasses of water everyday is an easy and healthy way to feel better during allergy season. Antioxidant-rich green tea and powdered green tea are other good beverage options. Antioxidants block the chemicals that produce uncomfortable allergy symptoms. I recommend drinking 1-2 cups of green tea daily for best results.

This article was reposted with permission from BJU’s website. It originally appeared on April 1 and was written by Dr. Kelly Guo, a US-trained registered pharmacist and head of the CBD clinic pharmacy.

Photo from SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget on flickr