Pollen: the evil of allergy sufferers
The few rains recorded in recent months allow us to predict a spring of moderate pollination. "The concentration of pollens is usually marked by the rainfall of the autumn months, as it has been scarce this year, the pollen concentrations of grasses will be lower, so we will face a moderate spring in terms of pollen allergy," he explains. Dr. Javier Subiza, of the Aerobiology Committee of the SEAIC.
According to a study carried out by the Aerobiology Committee of SEAIC, the type of pollen What most affects Spanish patients is that of grasses, followed by olive pollen. "For its pollination, this allergen (grass) requires very rainy autumns, which is why this spring the concentrations will be significantly lower," says Dr. Subiza.
Asthma and allergic symptoms: pollen concentrations
This expert explains that there is a close relationship between the increase in allergic symptoms and asthma in patients, with increased concentrations of grasses. Thus, each year it is verified that during the months of May-June, the time of greatest concentration of grasses, there is an increase in the number of emergency cases in medical centers for bronchial asthma and, therefore, an increase in sales of antihistamines.
4 types of pollen
Different types of pollen can coexist, although there are mainly four that produce pollinosis more frequently: the cupressaceae (January and February); banana pollen shade (March-April); grasses and olive pollen (May and June).
Dr. Subiza indicates that the combination of situations that occur in inner Spain is worse for a patient allergic to pollens, than in sea areas, given that there is greater environmental pollution; on the contrary, coastal environments are detrimental to those allergic to house dust mites. This causes that the majority of the allergic ones of the center are sensitized to 4 or 5 different types of pollen, what increases the difficulty to apply the pharmacological or prophylactic treatment.
In addition, more and more patients are beginning to show symptoms of allergy during the first months of the year, caused by the increase in pollution and the planting of cupresaceae and shade plantains. "To explain this phenomenon, it is essential to take into account the contamination by diesel, since its particles, when they interact with tree pollens, increase the allergenic potential of all types of pollens." In general, the increase in allergic diseases in the cities is caused by these changes, "says this specialist.
Vaccines: the best remedy for pollen allergy
Experts in allergology indicate that immunotherapy is the only etiological treatment that can modify the natural evolution of allergic disease (rhinoconjunctivis and bronchial asthma), by sensitization to pollens, mites, animal epithelia and fungi.
Any patient should notice a clear improvement in the first year of treatment, which will increase between 3 and 5 years later. Otherwise, you should consider changing the vaccine (with another composition) or investigate if you have developed new allergies, something very common among these patients. Only between 10% and 15% of allergic people do not respond to existing treatments for this condition. "This treatment consists in the subcutaneous injection of gradually increasing amounts of an allergenic extract to a patient in order to improve the symptomatology caused by the exposure to the responsible allergen.
It is essential to take into account three aspects in order to obtain maximum effectiveness: the use of well-standardized vaccines; achieve optimal maintenance doses and that the treatment is applied for a sufficient time (3-5 years). The patients experience an improvement in the control of their symptoms from the first months, although the optimal results are obtained from the first year ", explains Dr. Tomás Chivato, member of the Immunotherapy Committee of the SEAIC.
New tracking chart
The Committee of Immunotherapy of the SEAIC has published an update of the Primer of immunotherapy tracking for patients, specialists in Primary Care, pediatricians and nursing.
According to Dr. Chivato this document is necessary, "because unfortunately there is no immunotherapy unit in all allergy units and therefore, the monitoring of this treatment is not as accurate as it should be.This is why this brochure includes information material This includes, for example, a description of the situations in which it is advisable to delay administration or even contraindicate it, or in which it is advisable to reduce the doses of the vaccine, while at the same time specifying the attitude to be followed in case of local or systemic adverse reactions.
The experts identify two types of vaccination against pollen allergy, the pre-season, before the pollination season, and the co-seasonal, although it is not recommended to start it in those months, it is administered throughout the year.
Sublingual vaccines for allergy to pollen or mites
Vaccines administered sublingually facilitate adherence to treatment and is recommended in patients with symptoms of rhinitis, conjunctivitis and / or asthma caused by pollen or house dust mites. The Immunotherapy Committee recommends its application in both adults and children. The main characteristic of sublingual therapy is comfort, because it can be applied at home without the help of clinical assistance. "With the usual use of this therapy could achieve universal use of immunotherapy and, thus control of the disease," says Dr. Chivato.
Influence of allergy symptoms on quality of life
Seasonal allergic rhinitis or pollinosis usually occurs during the spring and summer and is caused by an allergic reaction to pollens, although it is also associated with other entities such as food allergy and atopic dermatitis. Rhinitis occurs when the allergen enters the body, usually through the mucous membranes exposed to the air (eyes, nose and mouth), and manifests with symptoms such as itchy eyes, redness and tearing, sneezing, congestion and nose itching that significantly influence the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Pillars of the treatment of respiratory allergies
- Environmental control measures. Consult on the Web: www.seaic.es
- Pharmacological treatment and natural therapies.
- Vaccinations or immunotherapy.
- Education Are organized: consultations, workshops for self-care of asthmatic patients, camps for children and patient associations. The patient must know his illness very well, which will help him to have a better quality of life.
If there is no improvement, you should:
- Review the composition of the vaccine.
- Examine the dose administered to the patient.
- Check the possible appearance of new allergies
Vicen Ramón
Advice: Doctor Javier Subiza, of the Aerobiology Committee of the SEAIC.
