Science and Health | Pollen Allergy Season is Here, How to Cope?

Originally from: Xinhua News Agency

As temperatures warm up, trees along the streets are sprouting new buds. However, for those suffering from pollen allergies, spring brings not only vitality but also uncontrollable sneezing and endless tears. This year’s pollen allergy season arrived earlier and is more intense. How should we respond? Our reporter interviewed relevant experts.

Why is the allergy season starting earlier? A warm winter is the main cause

The early start of the pollen allergy season is closely related to the recent warm winter. Data from the National Climate Center shows that during the winter of 2025-2026, most parts of the country experienced a “warm and dry” climate. The average national temperature was minus 1.5°C, the second-highest for the same period since 1961. The higher temperatures caused plants to bloom earlier overall, and many regions’ pollen seasons also began sooner.

On March 15, in Beijing Ditan Park, staff sprayed water containing pollen control agents on cypress trees. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ju Huanzong

According to the World Allergy Organization, about 30% of the global population suffers from allergic diseases, and in China, the number of allergic rhinitis patients has reached 250 million. Pollen allergy has become a significant public health issue.

Experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention explain that clinically, pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic cough/asthma, and skin allergies are collectively called pollen allergy. Patients often experience nasal congestion, sneezing, tears, itchy eyes, skin itching, and rashes.

Why do some people develop allergies now when they didn’t before? Ma Tingting, chief physician at Beijing Shijitan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, explains that this is partly due to global warming, which extends the flowering period and broadens the distribution of allergenic plants. As a result, the amount of pollen in the air remains high for extended periods, and long-term exposure exceeds the body’s immune tolerance threshold, triggering symptoms. Additionally, factors like staying up late, colds, and fatigue can disrupt immune balance, causing an overreaction to pollen.

How to identify pollen allergy? These misconceptions should be avoided

Many people think pollen allergy is simply “allergic to bright flowers,” but that’s not the case.

Wang Zixi, deputy director of the Allergy Department at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, explains that most pollen allergies are caused by wind-pollinated flowers, such as cypress, birch, poplar, willow, sycamore, and white ash in spring, as well as various wild grasses in autumn. Ornamental flowers mainly rely on insects for pollination, and their pollen particles are larger, generally not causing pollen allergies. However, attention should be paid to grasses near cut flowers, as they are often wind-pollinated.

On March 17, citizens enjoy outdoor activities at Manghe Park in Jiyuan City, Henan Province (drone photo). Photo by Miao Qiuna, Xinhua News Agency

How to distinguish between a cold and pollen allergy? Ma Tingting says that symptoms differ: allergies usually cause continuous sneezing, itchy nose, itchy eyes, and throat, with a large amount of clear nasal discharge, but rarely fever. Colds typically do not cause continuous sneezing, and systemic itching is uncommon. They may produce thick yellow mucus, fever, sore throat, and body aches.

In terms of duration, pollen allergies can last for weeks or the entire pollen season, while colds usually resolve within about a week.

Some worry, “Is allergy a sign of weakened immunity?” Experts clarify that pollen allergy is not due to decreased immunity but an abnormal immune response—an overreaction—unrelated to general resistance.

Prevention and treatment should go hand in hand: respond scientifically, not just tough it out

Some patients choose to “tough it out,” thinking that enduring the pollen season is enough. This approach is not advisable.

Wang Zixi reminds that pollen allergy is a progressive condition. Repeated episodes can worsen symptoms, which may extend from the upper to the lower respiratory tract, and in severe cases, lead to asthma. Therefore, patients suspecting they have pollen allergies should seek medical testing to identify allergens and control exposure accordingly.

He recommends using antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other medications as prescribed. For confirmed and severe cases, medication should start two weeks before the pollen season and continue until it ends. Recently, new biological agents have provided additional options for patients who do not respond well to conventional drugs.

On March 15, in Beijing Ditan Park, staff add pollen fixatives to water trucks for spraying. Photo by Ju Huanzong, Xinhua News Agency

Besides medication, daily personal protection is also crucial. Experts suggest that people with a history of pollen allergy wear masks, goggles, and use pollen barriers when outdoors; change clothes, wash face, and rinse nasal passages promptly after returning home; and choose low pollen concentration and calm wind periods for ventilation.

From individuals to society, efforts are ongoing. Beijing has pruned male cones from allergenic plants like cypress early for the fall-winter season of 2025 and recently used pollen fixatives to spray tree crowns to accelerate pollen settling. Cities like Chengdu in the south have also launched comprehensive pollen and airborne seed dispersal control measures, including proper tree pruning and high-pressure spraying to reduce airborne pollen.

Facing another pollen season, scientific understanding, precise protection, and active treatment can help pollen allergy sufferers experience fewer troubles and enjoy a more relaxed spring.

Planning: Chen Fang

Overall coordination: Dong Ruifeng, Sun Wen

Reporter: Xu Penghang

Produced by Xinhua News Agency Domestic Department