From the Department of Chest Diseases at Memorial Ankara Hospital, Uz. Dr. Selda Kaya gave information about spring allergy and precautions to be taken. The warming of the weather, which is the harbinger of spring, the blooming of flowers and the greening of the trees also bring spring allergies. Spring allergy, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, is most often caused by pollen from meadows, flowers and trees. An allergy skin test is required for the diagnosis of spring allergy, which has symptoms such as sneezing, eye itching, nasal congestion and can be confused with other diseases in some cases. The measures to be taken against spring allergy, which can turn into asthma if not treated, help the disease to pass milder. From the Department of Chest Diseases at Memorial Ankara Hospital, Uz. Dr. Selda Kaya gave information about spring allergies and precautions to be taken.

Saying that it affects children over the age of 3 and adults, Kaya said, “While the air circulation of meadow, flower and tree pollen, called flower dust, increases in these months, allergic rhinitis symptoms are seen in people with pollen allergy. While the prevalence of spring allergy, also known as hay fever, varies by 15-30 percent in the community, this disease mostly affects children aged 3 years and above, and adults. said.

Beware of meadow, flower and tree pollen!

“Although the exact cause of the allergy is not known, research shows that people with certain characteristics can develop an allergic reaction to various substances.” Kaya said:

“Especially genetic transmission is accepted as a risk factor for the development of spring allergy. The time and severity of spring allergy are closely related to the intensity of the allergen in the environment. Although spring allergy is commonly seen in seasonal transitions, the most important factor triggering this allergy is meadow, flower and tree pollen. Those who are allergic to tree pollen show an allergic reaction in the early spring, those who are allergic to grass show an allergic reaction in the late spring and summer months.

The main symptoms of spring allergy, which usually recurs every year in a certain time period, include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal itching, itchy watery eyes, mouth or throat itching, chest tightness. However, headache, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and decreased sense of smell and taste in some people are among the less common symptoms.

Emphasizing that the diagnosis should be made with allergy skin test and blood tests, Uz from Memorial Ankara Hospital Chest Diseases Department. Dr. Selda Kaya said, “The diagnosis of spring allergy, which can be confused with diseases caused by microbes, should be made with a detailed examination as well as allergy skin test or blood tests. In addition to these, quantitative Ig detection, serum total Ig E, and allergen-specific IgE pulmonary function tests may also be requested on a patient-specific basis. The best way to prevent the symptoms of spring allergies is to avoid allergens. It is beneficial to spend less time in places where pollen is concentrated, to keep the windows closed during the day, and to take a shower when you come home; However, antihistamine antiallergic drugs, nasal sprays and allergy vaccines are used in the treatment. he said.

Stating that untreated allergies cause asthma, Kaya said, “Spring allergy that is not controlled with proper treatment and follow-up can cause asthma. The most important cause of asthma, which is seen in an average of 10 percent of the population, is allergies. Asthma is a disease that can be controlled with regular follow-up and treatment. said.

From the Department of Chest Diseases at Memorial Ankara Hospital, Uz. Dr. Selda Kaya listed the precautions to be taken against spring allergies as follows:

Avoid the environment where allergens are present,
Before the allergy season, a doctor should be checked and appropriate drugs should be started,
Time spent outside should be limited,
The air conditioner should be cleaned before use,
The nose should be cleaned frequently with mouthwash or sterile sprays prepared with salt water,
Sufficient amount of fluid should be consumed,
Items such as clothes, shoes, hair accessories should be changed, allergens should be left outside the house and shower should be taken,
Shoes or slippers worn outside should be left outside the door or put in a closed closet,
Masks should be worn when pollen is high.
A healthy diet and immunity should be supported. At least one fresh fruit and vegetable should be consumed at every meal,
Foods that increase allergy symptoms such as grapes, apples, oranges and tomatoes should be consumed with caution.
The humidity in the environment should be brought to the appropriate level with steam machines,
Smoking should be avoided
Laundry should not be dried outside, as pollen can stick to the laundry.