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Allergic Reactions to Catkins in Nanjing Near Epidemic Levels

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Sneezing, runny nose, cough, tightness of chest, itchy eyes and ears, itchy skin… Do you have such symptoms? Take comfort in knowing you far from alone, as that akin to snowfall which is in fact the catkins of Nanjing’s trees has a large swathe of the population reporting allergic reactions.

When the maximum daytime temperature in spring reaches 25 degrees Celcius for 3 consecutive days, so conditions enable the flight of catkins throughout our city, to the extent that they have been invading our offices, homes and cars. There shall be no respite until mid June.

The seed-wrapping appendage is a natural phenomenon of not only Nanjing’s sycamore, but also the poplar, willow and other species, explained Liu Xingjian, senior engineer of Zhongshan Botanical Garden in Nanjing, to Contemporary Express.

Today, there are fewer and fewer poplars in downtown Nanjing, yet there are still many catkins drifting right before our eyes. Liu also mentioned that the poplar fruit is very large, with thousands of seeds. There may not be many poplar trees downtown, yet many remain in the suburbs. Carried by the wind, they flow to the urban area. In addition, an increase in solar radiation, temperature and airflow will also aggravate the catkins, especially in their most active period between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Spring is a high incidence period of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), conjunctivitis, asthma and skin diseases. Doctors warn that those who are sensitive to pollen or the like should seek protection and prevent allergies; wearing a mask is a must, for example.

Of the mostly female staff in The Nanjinger office, almost all claim one kind of allergic reaction to the catkins or another. Allergies, as it turns out, are becoming a global problem.

In fact, according to the report of World Allergy Organisation, 30 to 40 percent of the world population now suffer from an allergic condition, while related diseases have become almost epidemic in proportion.

Blooming flowers, pollen, fungi, spores and other airborne allergens increase the possibility of allergic conditions, especially asthma and skin disease. Jiang Desheng, Director of the Eastern Air Force Academy Respiratory Department, told the Jinling Evening New that with the large difference in  temperature between day and night during spring, so we should pay attention to personal hygiene and protection, minimise outdoor activities and avoid pollen contact. If allergic symptoms do not subside, we should make sure to consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Many are doing just that. Since the beginning of this month, the intake at the respiratory department of Gulou Hospital has exceeded 100 people per afternoon. Most need wait in line for at least 1 hour for treatment. 

A Doctor Guo from Gulou Hospital told the media, “It is common to have allergic problems in spring time; one has to learn to protect themselves from the catkins by wearing masks or taking anti-allergic medicines, such as Clarityne”.

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