Ragweed, wormwood and goosefoot begin flowering actively across central and southern Russia in late summer and early autumn, and their pollen often triggers flare-ups of hay fever. Elena Pichuyeva, an allergist and immunologist at Ekaterininskaya Clinic, explained the causes and warning signs to Gazeta.Ru.
Pichuyeva said nettle, orache, sunflower and corn also release large amounts of pollen during this period, while concentrations of Alternaria mold spores rise in the air, which can also cause allergic reactions. The most common symptoms include heavy watery nasal discharge, congestion, itching and sneezing, red and watery eyes, throat itching and a dry cough. With allergies, she said, these symptoms occur without fever, last longer than five days and do not respond to typical cold remedies.
When to see a doctor
Pichuyeva advised anyone with such symptoms to see an allergist and immunologist as soon as possible. Before that visit, she recommended minimizing contact with pollen by spending less time outdoors during dry, windy weather, wearing masks and using nasal filters, and washing the face and rinsing the nose after coming home.
At home, she recommended keeping windows closed during peak pollen periods, cleaning regularly with a damp cloth and clearing air conditioner filters. She said people should see a specialist if symptoms appear for the first time, persist for several days or if previous treatment stops working.
Pichuyeva stressed that only a specialist should prescribe anti-allergy therapy, warning that self-directed treatment changes are not acceptable.
Infectious disease physician and candidate of medical sciences Andrei Matyukhin previously warned that water from office coolers can often become an incubator for infections harmful to health.
