Parietaria Allergy: An Intriguing Challenge for the Allergist.

Giorgio Ciprandi,Cristoforo Incorvaia,Paola Puccinelli,Simonetta Masieri

doi:10.3390/medicina54060106

Abstract

Parietaria pollen is the most important cause of pollen allergies in the Mediterranean area, as Parietaria is widespread in this region. Many issues are associated with Parietaria allergy, including the duration of the pollen season (many doctors in fact believe that it lasts throughout the year), pollen load (which seems to be increasing over time), the impact of age (on IgE production and symptom severity), inflammatory changes (after pollen exposure), and the choice of allergen immunotherapy (AIT). In addition, molecular diagnostics allows for the defining of a correct diagnosis, differentiating between mere sensitization and true allergy. This review considers these topics and will hopefully help the allergist in clinical practice. Parietaria allergy is an intriguing challenge for the allergist in clinical practice, but it may be adequately managed by knowing the peculiarities of respective territories and the clinical characteristics of each patient.

Highlights

Parietaria allergy is a frequent manifestation of pollen allergy arising mainly in the Mediterranean area [1]
Asthma and rhinitis are frequently associated with the allergy, and have been treated with allergen immunotherapy for a long time [2,3]
The Parietaria pollination season may be rather long, and there is a popular belief that the symptoms for Parietaria allergy may be present for the whole year

Summary

Introduction

Parietaria allergy is a frequent manifestation of pollen allergy arising mainly in the Mediterranean area [1]. Parietaria allergy has some peculiar characteristics, including relevant epidemiological impact and long duration of symptoms (caused by the pollination period consistently being long-lasting). Asthma and rhinitis are frequently associated with the allergy, and have been treated with allergen immunotherapy for a long time [2,3]. With regard to these issues, it is important that this review present and discuss the most relevant clinical and therapeutic aspects

Parietaria Pollen Impact on Allergy Patients

Allergen Immunotherapy for Parietaria Allergy

Results

Conclusive Remarks