Die Bedeutung von Brennesselpollen im Vergleich zu Beifußpollen für die saisonale allergische Rhinitis im Spätsommer

Abstract

Introduction: The success rate of hyposensitization with mugwort pollen allergen in patients with late-onset seasonal allergic rhinitis is about 70%. Based on measurements over the last 3 years in the Dresden area using the Burkard pollen trap, it was found that during the main blossom season of mugwort, the nettle pollen pollution is high as well. With regard to the total amount of measured pollen, nettle pollen amounted to 78% compared to only 7% mugwort pollen. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical relevance of the high nettle pollen exposure for patients with late-onset seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Dresden area. Methods: Thirty-six patients (17 female, 19 male, mean age 29.4 years) with a seasonal late summer allergic rhinitis were examined. All patients were sensitized to mugwort pollen. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and skin prick testing (SPT) for nettle pollen were performed on all patients. A nasal provocation test (NPT) with nettle pollen was performed in 17 patients sensitized to nettle pollen. Results of the provocation were investigated through rhinomanometry after 10, 20 and 30 minutes, respectively. Results: Twenty-four of the 36 patients exhibited a positive SPT and RAST for nettle pollen, showing the sensitization to nettle pollen. Of the 17 patients mentioned above, 8 patients had a positive NPT to nettle pollen. Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that a sensitization for mugwort pollen often coincides with sensitization for nettle pollen. The high nettle pollen exposure in the Dresden area is of clinical importance in the diagnosis of patients with late-onset seasonal allergic rhinitis. Therefore, we recommend that testing for nettle pollen (RAST, SPT and NPT) in patients with late summer allergies shall be included into standard diagnostic procedures. Patients with a positive NPT for nettle pollen may also qualify for hyposensitization therapy for nettle pollen.