01

  Why are there willow catkins every spring?

  Every April, many places in the north will usher in a period of concentrated outbreak of willow catkins. Why do I have to experience it once every spring? In fact, this is a normal physiological phenomenon of willow trees.

  02

  Why are they mainly concentrated in North China and Huanghuai areas?

  Experts introduced that willow catkins are obviously periodic and seasonal. Ren Liwen, senior engineer of the Public Meteorological Service Center of the China Meteorological Administration, introduced that generally from late March to early May each year is the high incidence period of flying catkins, and spring temperature rebound periods and sunny days with large temperature differences between day and night are the main meteorological conditions that trigger flying catkins.

  Why is the flying area mainly concentrated in North China and the Huanghuai area?

  Hu Xiao, chief meteorological analyst of China Weather Network, introduced that the reason why willow catkins are mainly concentrated in North China and the Huanghuai areas is because willow trees have strong adaptability in the northern regions, alkali-resistant and drought-resistant, easy to survive, fast material development, and long greening time. They are planted in North China and the Huanghuai areas. During the concentrated breeding period of willow trees in spring, seeds will reproduce by the help of wind power, and the scene will appear in the local area.

  03

  How to take health protection for people who are prone to allergies

  Flying willow catkins can cause allergies in some people, causing symptoms such as dry throat, red and swollen eyes, skin spots, and papules.

  Data shows that as the willow catkins in Shijiazhuang, Hebei enter the "start flight period", there are endless allergic patients coming to see the doctor in the waiting area of ​​the Dermatology Department of Hebei Medical University. According to statistics from Hebei Medical University, starting from the end of March, the number of patients with allergic rhinitis caused by flying catkins has increased by about 48% compared with the usual rate.

  So, during the period when the willow catkins are flying, how can people who are prone to allergies take good health protection?  

  For people who are prone to allergies, exposure to willow catkins may cause skin itching, rhinitis and even asthma.

  Someone went to the hospital for a test and found that he was not allergic to willow catkins, but he still had strong allergic symptoms. Why is this?

  The doctor explained that this is because the flying catkins of willows may carry a variety of allergens such as pollen and dust. After being inhaled by the human body, it is easy to cause allergic rhinitis, asthma and other diseases.

  On April 7, near the Huangchenggen Ruins Park in Beijing, catkins were flying like snow. (Photo/Wang Xiao of China Weather Network)

  The doctor also reminds that to prevent allergic rhinitis caused by poplar catkins and catkins, it is best to start taking medicine before the catkins appear , such as using sprays or taking anti-allergic drugs.

  When flying catkins fall to the mouth, nose, and eyes, do not rub them with your hands. You need to wash your face with clean water or wipe it with a tissue. Do not scratch after the skin and flying catkins come into contact, because the skin on a person's facial skin is delicate, and the mucosa in the mouth, eyes, nose, etc. is weak in the anti-disease ability. Rubbing and scratching can easily cause damage, and let the bacteria carried by poplar catkins and the bacteria on the hands take the opportunity to enter, increasing the harm.

  If you have an allergic reaction, you can prepare light salt water at home and put it in the refrigerator, and then apply a wet towel on your face. This can relieve skin redness and swelling. If you have severe allergic reactions, you should seek medical treatment in time.

  04

  Flying catkins can also easily cause fires! Be careful

  In addition to causing allergies, flying catkins are also prone to fires. Because willow catkins contain a lot of oil, they are very likely to burn after open flames and spread very fast. During catkins, try to close doors and windows to avoid catkins entering the room. Flying catkins entering the room should be cleaned in time. Flying catkins are flammable. Do not throw cigarette butts anywhere or use other open flames to ignite the catkins to avoid causing fires and other accidents.

  Reporter: Wang Ying

  Comprehensive content related to CCTV News, China Weather Network, Beijing Disease Control and Prevention

[Editor in charge: Wang Ying]