Hospital de Clínicas will host a free seasonal allergy testing course on September 20 and 21 during early spring when certain plants are in bloom.
It will be held from 9 to 12 pm in the Central Hall of the Building, 2300 Córdoba, Buenos Aires.
“Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are allergies that appear only at certain times of the year due to exposure to certain biological substances suspended in the air, such as pollen,” says Raquel, Head of the Allergy and Immunology Department at Clínicas Rodríguez explains. , in a statement from the health center.
Pollen allergies commonly occur in more than 20% of the population, but because clinical symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis tend to persist over time, year after year, or even indefinitely, fewer patients seek medical attention or allergy referrals, resulting in Levels of underdiagnosis remain high. Experts added that the condition worsens as 40% of patients develop bronchial asthma.
Furthermore, he explains that the main reason is that “the pollen of certain plants is highly concentrated in the atmosphere during the flowering period; common tree species (such as ash, banana and privet) and grasses (such as ryegrass) and some cereals Crops and Weeds”.
“Trees tend to pollinate in the spring, grasses in late spring and early summer, and weeds in late summer and early fall. All of this movement can cause allergy symptoms in people who are sensitive to one of these pollens,” he added.
Rodriguez points to global warming and environmental pollution (diesel particles from cars) as factors that make plant pollination periods earlier, longer and more intense than normal.
Another cause of seasonal allergies are the spores of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium fungi, which naturally inhabit plants and are airborne like pollen.
Seasonal allergies can cause allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that manifests as watery discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, and back of the throat.
“They are also often associated with allergic conjunctivitis, with ocular symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, bloodshot eyes, and even eyelid edema. The presence of cough and bronchial wheezing led us to suspect a link to bronchial asthma,” he explained.
These symptoms occur outdoors, mainly on sunny days, improve when it rains, and worsen when it is windy.
With higher levels of pollen in the air, these symptoms may worsen and interfere with daily activities, such as school and work performance, or even cause difficulty sleeping. (Tyram)