With the arrival of spring, there is an increase in allergies and diseases caused by allergies.
What is allergy? It is an extreme reaction that occurs in sensitive people against certain substances that enter our body through various means (respiration, digestion, skin). The substances that cause these reactions are called allergens.
Some people have a special reaction to certain substances that do not cause any reaction in normal people. The main purpose here is to protect the body against these substances that are considered foreign. However, the reaction to these foreign substances causes damage and damage to the body, and this situation later emerges as an allergic disease.
Allergic asthma is one of these diseases. Asthma is a disease that has a genetic basis but manifests itself under the influence of certain living conditions and the environment. The underlying cause is narrowing of the airways. As a result, sensitive people experience cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. These complaints occur especially at night and in the morning.
The most important allergens in terms of asthma are house dust, pollens, fungal spores, animal allergens, cockroaches, indoor air pollution and outdoor air pollution.
With the arrival of spring, the complaints of those with pollen allergies increase.
Pollen: It is the pollen required for the reproduction of seed plants. Tree pollens such as alder, hazelnut, olive, poplar, birch, cypress, linden, wild grass pollens such as meadow grass, English grass, wormwood, plantain, and stick grass, and grain pollens such as barley, wheat, oats and rye are the most common sources of allergies. are pollen.
It is possible to cope with allergies by knowing the factor that causes allergy, using appropriate medications on time, and using a few simple prevention methods.
Tree pollen is generally more common in February – March, grass pollen is more common from May to mid-July, and weed pollen is more common in late summer and autumn.
Generally, the pollen of colorful and fragrant flowers is large and carried by insects. Since they do not spread into the air, they do not cause allergies. Small pollens are more likely to cause allergies because they are carried by the wind. The amount of pollen in the air is much higher in the morning hours. The amount of pollen decreases on rainy days. It increases in hot and windy weather.
Pollens trigger allergic rhinitis (allergic flu-hay fever) and asthma.
The first step in protection is for the patient to know what he is allergic to and to stay away from the plant whose pollen he is allergic to. For this purpose, skin tests that can be applied quickly and easily are performed. The easiest and most commonly applied test is the PRICK test. Thanks to this test, it is revealed what the person is allergic to and the treatment is arranged by explaining the methods of protection against these allergens.
In order to be protected from pollen, during the sensitive period, especially in windy, dry weather, you should not go out if possible, doors and windows should be closed tightly, you should not walk in the morning, especially between 05:00 and 10:00, you should take a shower and change your clothes when you return home from the outdoor environment, you should wear daily clothes and bed as pollen may stick to them. Pollen protective filters should be used at home and in the car and these filters should be changed frequently. If possible, a pollen mask should be used outdoors. Seaside destinations should be preferred for holidays. Sunglasses should be used and the glasses used should be washed with water regularly.
Chest Diseases Specialist
Specialist Dr. Billûr BİLMEN YÜCEL