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As temperatures rise, anticipation for the warm spring season grows. However, the combination of airborne pollen, dry air, significant daily temperature fluctuations and increased outdoor activities can take a toll on the body, necessitating extra caution.

One of the most unwelcome seasonal guests is allergic rhinitis, a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. It affects approximately 15 to 20 percent of the Korean population.

Allergic rhinitis is categorized into perennial and seasonal types. Perennial rhinitis persists year-round, often caused by indoor allergens like dust mites. Seasonal rhinitis, on the other hand, occurs during specific times of the year, with pollen being the primary trigger in spring. Air pollutants such as fine dust can further aggravate symptoms.

The common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing. It may be difficult to distinguish from a common cold, which is a short-term viral infection that typically resolves within one to two weeks. In contrast, allergic rhinitis is an immune response to specific allergens and can last for months or even years.

If left untreated, allergic rhinitis can lead to complications such as chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea. In children, it may cause facial deformities or dental misalignment due to habitual mouth breathing. Frequent rubbing of the face due to itching can also result in skin discoloration.

Shin Jae-min, a professor of otolaryngology at Korea University Anam Hospital, said, "Nasal irrigation is effective in alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms," explaining that it promotes the movement of nasal cilia and helps wash away allergens.

He recommended using sterile saline or a saltwater solution made with boiled and cooled water. In addition to nasal irrigation, treatment options include antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroid sprays. Immunotherapy, which gradually reduces the body's allergic response to specific allergens, is another option but requires continuous treatment for three to five years.

Spring's dry weather and airborne pollen also necessitate careful skin care. Sudden temperature shifts, yellow dust, fine dust, pollen and strong ultraviolet rays can all negatively impact the skin.

Maintaining adequate skin hydration is essential in dry spring conditions. As temperatures rise, the skin produces more oil, but moisture evaporates more quickly due to indoor-outdoor temperature differences. Using a cream-based moisturizer helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the skin hydrated.

Thorough cleansing is also important, as fine dust and pollen can irritate the skin. However, excessive deep cleansing can strip away the skin's natural moisturizing factors, compromising its protective barrier.

Wu Yu-ri, a dermatologist at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital of The Catholic University of Korea, said, "The ideal cleansing time is within three minutes. If you wear makeup, double cleansing is recommended, but if not, a single cleanse is sufficient." She advised limiting deep cleansing to once or twice a week.

Using a mask pack can help soothe irritated skin in spring, but daily use may be counterproductive, especially for those with sensitive skin or a weakened skin barrier. Woo said, "Leaving a mask pack on for more than 20 minutes can disrupt the skin's oil and moisture balance, so it is best not to exceed that duration." Sleeping with a mask pack is particularly harmful, as it initially prevents moisture loss but eventually causes the pack's ingredients to evaporate, drawing moisture away from the skin and making it even drier.

The arrival of warmer weather in March also leads to increased physical activity, which can strain the knees. According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients seeking treatment for knee osteoarthritis surged by approximately 22 percent in March 2021 compared to February. Similar increases were observed in 2022 and 2023, with patient numbers rising by 11 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

Kim Tae-seop, an orthopedic specialist at Bupyeong Himchan Hospital, said, "After adapting to low winter temperatures, the body's ligaments and muscles become stiff and less flexible. Weakened muscles provide less support to the joints, making even minor movements potentially painful and increasing the risk of knee osteoarthritis."

To maintain knee health in spring, it is crucial to avoid excessive activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, as excess weight adds significant strain to the knees. A 1-kilogram increase in body weight results in an additional 4 kilograms of pressure on the knees, and when movement is involved, this burden can rise to over 7 kilograms. Kim advised, "If swelling, pain, or a grinding sensation in the knee persists for more than three days after an external impact, a medical consultation is necessary."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.