Abstract

Background: Aeroallergen sampling provides information regarding the onset, duration and severity of the pollen season that clinicians use to guide allergen selection for skin testing and treatment. Objectives: This atmospheric survey reports (1) airborne pollen contributions in Adana in one-year period (2) pollen onset, duration and peak level (3) the relationship between airborne pollen and selected meteorological variables and; (4) effects on symptoms in pollen allergic children. Methods: Pollen sampling was performed with a volumetric Burkard Spore Trap. Meteorological data were measured daily from April 2001 to April 2002. Asthma symptom scores were investigated in 186 pollen allergic children that were on follow up in pediatric allergy outpatient clinics during same period. Results: Average measurements included 82.5% tree pollen, 7.7% grass pollen and 9.8% herb pollen 54 taxa were identified during one year. The most prominent tree pollens were Cupressaceae, Eucalyptus and Pinus. The most common herb was Chenopodiaceae pollen family. When airborne pollen levels were examined in relation to single meteorological conditions; daily variations in total pollen counts were not significantly correlated with any variable studied (humidity, rainfall, temperature and wind) (p>0.05). On the other hand, statistically significant relationship between pollen concentration and symptom scores were found (p>0.05). Positive correlations were seen between both Gramineae and Herb pollen, and humidity and rainfall from March to July. However, positive correlations were detected between tree pollen counts and temperature and humidity in May and June. Conclusion: This survey is the first volumetric airborne pollen analysis conducted in the survey area in Adana. This study suggested that the effects of weather on pollen count and symptom scores in this population could not be clearly identified with the evaluation of one-year data. However, pollen counts had effect on allergic symptoms in pollen allergic children. Examination of the complex interaction of multiple whether parameters would perhaps more fully elucidate the relationship between meteorology and aerobiology and provide the clinician with information necessary to forecast pollen prevalence. An awareness of the ever chancing, local aeroallergen patterns requires regular monitoring. Such awareness serves as a useful guide in the effective testing and treatment of atopic patients.

Highlights

  • Pollen-induced allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are important health problems all over the world

  • Plants with high pollen counts were classified into three groups as Gramineae, herb and trees

  • We found positive correlation between pollen counts and symptom scores in pollen allergic children (Table VII)

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Summary

Introduction

Pollen-induced allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are important health problems all over the world. There is a body of evidence suggesting that prevalence of allergic diseases induced by pollens is on the increase in developed countries, a trend that is clearly evident in the Mediterranean area (D’amato et al, 1991, 1998; ERCHS, 1996; ISAAC, 1998). Avoiding exposure to allergens constitutes the first and the most important phases in the treatment of allergic diseases. Clinicians use this information to identify appropriate allergens for skin. Because of its mild winters and sunny days with dry summers, which are characteristic climatic conditions, the Mediterranean area is different from those of central and northern Europe. Aeroallergen sampling provides information regarding the onset, duration and severity of the pollen season that clinicians use to guide allergen selection for skin testing and treatment

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