As in the rest of the world, pollen allergy is a significant problem in our country as well. Pointing out that the rate of individuals with pollen allergy is between 5-10% due to the effect of vegetation in different regions of our country, Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association, Head of Asthma Working Group Prof. Dr. Ferda Öner Erkekol emphasized that pollen allergy is seen in one third of individuals with allergic asthma and said:
CAN CAUSE ASTHMA ATTACKS
“Asthma attacks are characterized by coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest congestion and a feeling of pressure. These complaints may increase or decrease over time, that is, they are variable. One of the effective points in this variability is the encounter with allergens, which are important triggers. Pollen exposure may cause asthma development, as well as increased symptoms and even asthma attacks in asthmatic patients. It is common to think that individuals with pollen allergy must have allergic rhinitis (hay fever) with runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and palate. For this reason, the diagnosis of some pollen allergic asthma patients may be delayed. It should not be forgotten that pollen allergy can also progress with asthma with only cough, shortness of breath and wheezing in a group of patients. For this reason, it is important for patients with such complaints in the spring to be evaluated in terms of asthma, and for asthma patients to apply to allergy and immunology specialists to evaluate whether they have pollen allergy with allergy tests.
YOU CAN PROTECT BY WEARING A MASK OUTDOOR
Explaining some points that pollen allergic asthmatics should pay particular attention to in the spring period, Prof. Dr. Ferda Öner Erkekol said, “As it is known, asthma is a disease that can be controlled with regular follow-up and appropriate treatment options, and the majority of patients can live their daily lives as if they do not have asthma. In order to ensure this well-being, the most important point is that the patients who are allergic to pollen or who are suspected of having it are checked by a doctor before the pollen season and the appropriate treatment is started and continued. In addition to drug treatment, pollen exposure should be reduced as much as possible. Although it is not possible to completely prevent pollen exposure in practice, it is recommended to carry out activities to be carried out in the outdoor environment, especially challenging activities such as exercise, when pollen is not intense, to wear a mask outside, to change clothes when you come home, and to remove pollen as much as possible by hand-washing.
VIRAL INFECTIONS CAN TRIGGER ASTHMA
Underlining that pollen is not the only factor that triggers asthma in the spring, Prof. Dr. Ferda Öner Erkekol said, “Variable air temperatures and viral infections are also important triggers of asthma.”
Mentioning that we will live with COVID 19 disease this spring, although its rate has decreased in recent days, Erkekol suggested that especially asthma patients with increasing complaints should apply to a doctor without delay in order to evaluate their current situation and to distinguish worsening due to viral infection or pollen allergy.