Run or fight: how to escape from birch blossom allergy

      April 15, 2026 16:52 Society In spring, millions of people in Russia suffer from allergies: red eyes, runny nose, and general malaise. Doctors advise temporarily leaving to avoid the peak of flowering, which usually occurs from late April to mid-May. However, where to go to avoid allergies, and is it worth it? Perhaps there are more effective ways to combat this condition? The main enemy of allergy sufferers is birch pollen. Due to its unique structure, resembling a microscopic bur, it easily sticks to skin and clothing, spreading over large distances. Immunologist-allergist Nadezhda Logina noted in an interview with 360.ru that birch grows in almost all regions of Russia, complicating the search for a safe place. If you still want to wait out the flowering in another region, pay attention to northern areas and mountainous regions where birches are less common. For example, in the Astrakhan region and the Republic of Kalmykia, birches hardly grow. For those allergic to linden, the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions are suitable. The cold climate slows down the development of typical allergens, but birch flowering can also begin there in June. Why does every third person suffer from allergies? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three people on the planet suffers from allergies, and their number continues to grow. Nadezhda Logina explains this by changes in human habitats: anthropogenic emissions, chronic stress, improper use of medications, and diets high in preservatives and colorants negatively affect the immune system. The doctor pays special attention to stress. Previously, stress was considered serious psychological trauma, such as the loss of a loved one or a disaster. However, today stress is constant emotional tension caused by traffic jams, work, and endless rushing. All these factors weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to allergens. What is an allergy? An allergy is an excessive reaction of the immune system to harmless substances called allergens. These substances can be plant pollen, food, indoor microflora, and other factors that humans have interacted with for centuries. The immune system mistakenly perceives these substances as threats and reacts too actively to them. Due to a disruption in the body's recognition function, pollen or food is perceived as dangerous enemies, and the body begins to actively fight them, causing allergy symptoms. How to survive the flowering season? If you cannot leave and birch is blooming outside your window, do not rely solely on medications. They relieve symptoms but do not eliminate the cause of the allergy. Here are some simple tips to help alleviate the condition:

      - Choose the right time for walks: Go outside after rain or late in the evening when pollen concentration in the air is minimal. In the morning, its level is highest.

      

      - Use barrier protection: Wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting on the mucous membranes of the eyes, and a medical mask to protect the respiratory tract.

      

      - Rinse your nose: After returning from outside, rinse your nose with saline solution. This removes up to 60% of allergens that have settled on the mucous membranes. To prepare the solution, use a teaspoon of salt per liter of boiled water.

      

      - Keep windows closed: At home, keep windows closed and use a ventilator or air conditioner with filters to clean the air. Conduct wet cleaning daily, as moisture causes pollen to settle rather than float in the air.

      Allergy treatment Symptomatic treatment should begin with a visit to a doctor. The specialist will prescribe therapy considering the patient's age and accompanying diseases. It is not recommended to buy medications independently, as only a doctor can determine the correct scheme and dosage. In addition to antihistamines, there is a method of endonasal autolymphocyte therapy. This method uses the body's own immune cells, which are injected into the openings of the nasal sinuses. Administered dropwise and painlessly, it allows for a reduced need for antihistamines after just the second procedure. However, even the most effective measures cannot always completely eliminate allergies. It is important to remember that consulting a doctor and an individualized approach to treatment are key steps in combating this condition. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.