What are the main allergens affecting different regions of the United States in February. How do weather patterns influence allergy symptoms across the country. What are effective strategies for managing February allergies.

Regional Breakdown of February Allergies in the United States

As winter begins to wane, allergy sufferers across the United States brace themselves for the onset of seasonal allergies. February marks a transitional period, with different regions experiencing varying levels and types of allergens. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for effective allergy management.

Northern United States: Indoor Allergens Dominate

In the northern parts of the country, winter’s grip remains firm in February, keeping outdoor allergens at bay. However, this doesn’t mean allergy sufferers get a reprieve. The extended time spent indoors exposes people to a different set of allergens.

• Mold
• Dust
• Pet dander

These indoor allergens can cause significant discomfort for many individuals. How can northern residents mitigate these indoor allergies? Regular cleaning, using air purifiers with HEPA filters, and keeping humidity levels in check can help reduce exposure to these common indoor irritants.

Southern United States: Early Onset of Spring Allergens

The southern states often experience an earlier start to the allergy season due to milder winter temperatures. In recent years, record-breaking high temperatures have further accelerated this trend, causing plants to pollinate earlier than usual.

• Mountain Cedar (Juniper)
• Elm
• Mold

Why is Mountain Cedar a significant concern in the South? Mountain Cedar, also known as Juniper, is notorious for producing large amounts of highly allergenic pollen. Its small size allows it to travel long distances, affecting even those who don’t live near Juniper trees.

Eastern United States: A Mix of Indoor and Outdoor Allergens

The eastern part of the country often experiences a last bout of winter weather in February, leading to a mix of indoor and outdoor allergen exposure.

• Dust Mites
• Pet Dander
• Early tree pollen

How does the fluctuating weather in the East affect allergy sufferers? The alternating cold and mild days can cause trees to start releasing pollen sporadically, catching many off guard. Additionally, the increased indoor time during cold snaps heightens exposure to perennial allergens like dust mites and pet dander.

Western United States: Weather-Induced Allergy Spikes

The western states often face unique weather patterns in February, which can significantly impact allergy levels.

• Juniper
• Elm
• Mold

How do unexpected weather events in the West affect allergen levels? Torrential downpours can lead to increased mold growth due to flooding and standing water. Additionally, the rain and wind can stir up pollen, causing sudden spikes in airborne allergens.

Understanding Juniper Allergies: A Major February Concern

Juniper allergies, often associated with Mountain Cedar, are a significant issue in many parts of the country during February. These allergies can be particularly severe due to the unique characteristics of Juniper pollen.

Why is Juniper Pollen So Problematic?

Juniper pollen has several attributes that make it a potent allergen:

• Small size: Easily becomes airborne and travels long distances
• High quantity: Juniper trees produce large amounts of pollen
• Unique chemical structure: Can trigger reactions in people not typically sensitive to other pollens

Can Juniper allergies develop in individuals who haven’t had them before? Yes, it’s possible for people to develop Juniper allergies over time, even if they’ve never experienced them before. This is due to repeated exposure and the pollen’s unique properties.

Recognizing Juniper Allergy Symptoms

Juniper allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

1. Itchy, watery eyes
2. Coughing
3. Congestion
4. Allergy headaches
5. Sore throat
6. Constant sneezing or wheezing

Is it possible to distinguish Juniper allergy symptoms from other seasonal allergies? While many allergy symptoms overlap, Juniper allergies often cause more severe reactions and may affect individuals who don’t typically suffer from other pollen allergies.

Effective Strategies for Managing February Allergies

Managing February allergies requires a multi-faceted approach, combining prevention strategies with targeted treatments. Here are some effective methods to keep allergy symptoms at bay:

Prevention Techniques

• Use HEPA filters: Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home, especially in bedrooms, to remove allergens from the air.
• Regular cleaning: Vacuum and dust frequently to reduce indoor allergen accumulation.
• Personal hygiene: Wash your hair after spending time outdoors to remove pollen that may have attached to it.
• Monitor pollen counts: Stay informed about local pollen levels and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
• Keep windows closed: During high pollen days, keep windows closed to prevent allergens from entering your home.

How often should one clean to effectively reduce indoor allergens? For those with severe allergies, it’s recommended to vacuum and dust at least twice a week, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter for best results.

Treatment Options

When prevention isn’t enough, various treatment options are available:

1. Over-the-counter antihistamines: These can provide relief from common allergy symptoms.
2. Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
3. Decongestants: These can help relieve nasal congestion, but should be used sparingly.
4. Allergy shots (immunotherapy): A long-term treatment option that can increase tolerance to specific allergens.
5. Natural remedies: Some people find relief with saline nasal rinses or local honey (for non-severe allergies).

When should one consider allergy shots for February allergies? If over-the-counter medications aren’t providing sufficient relief, or if allergies are significantly impacting quality of life, it may be time to discuss immunotherapy with an allergist.

The Impact of Climate Change on February Allergies

Climate change is having a notable impact on allergy patterns across the United States, particularly in February. As average temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, we’re seeing changes in plant behavior and pollen production.

Earlier and Longer Allergy Seasons

One of the most significant impacts of climate change on allergies is the lengthening of the allergy season. Warmer temperatures are causing plants to bloom earlier and continue producing pollen for longer periods. In many regions, this means that February, traditionally considered a reprieve from seasonal allergies, is now becoming part of the active allergy season.

How much earlier are allergy seasons starting due to climate change? Studies suggest that allergy seasons are starting 10 to 30 days earlier than they did 30 years ago, with the trend expected to continue.

Increased Pollen Production

Climate change isn’t just affecting when plants produce pollen, but also how much they produce. Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are stimulating plants to produce more pollen, and the pollen they produce tends to be more potent and allergenic.

• Longer growing seasons allow for multiple cycles of plant pollination
• Increased CO2 levels stimulate pollen production in many plants
• Changes in precipitation patterns can affect mold growth and spore release

What percentage increase in pollen production are we seeing due to climate change? Some studies suggest that pollen production could increase by 40% or more with projected future carbon dioxide levels.

The Role of Technology in Managing February Allergies

As allergy patterns become more complex and unpredictable, technology is playing an increasingly important role in helping individuals manage their symptoms and reduce exposure to allergens.

Allergy Tracking Apps

Smartphone apps that track local pollen counts and provide personalized allergy forecasts are becoming invaluable tools for allergy sufferers. These apps use a combination of user-reported data, weather information, and historical pollen data to provide accurate predictions.

How accurate are allergy tracking apps in predicting symptom severity? While not perfect, many of these apps have shown to be quite accurate, with some studies reporting up to 90% accuracy in predicting high allergy days.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home devices are also playing a role in allergy management:

• Air quality monitors: These devices can detect particulate matter in the air, including pollen and mold spores.
• Smart air purifiers: These can automatically adjust their settings based on detected air quality levels.
• Smart thermostats: By controlling humidity levels, these can help reduce dust mite and mold growth.

Can smart home technology significantly reduce indoor allergen levels? Yes, when used correctly, smart air purifiers and air quality monitors can help maintain cleaner air indoors, potentially reducing allergen levels by up to 50% or more.

Nutritional Approaches to Managing February Allergies

While not a replacement for medical treatment, certain dietary approaches may help alleviate allergy symptoms or boost the immune system’s ability to handle allergens. Here are some nutritional strategies that may be beneficial:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. These foods include:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
• Berries (strawberries, blueberries)
• Turmeric
• Ginger

How do anti-inflammatory foods help with allergies? These foods can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lessening the immune system’s overreaction to allergens.

Probiotics and Gut Health

There’s growing evidence that gut health plays a role in overall immune function, including how the body responds to allergens. Consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements may help modulate the immune response:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha

Can probiotics really help with allergies? While more research is needed, some studies have shown that certain probiotic strains can reduce allergy symptoms and improve quality of life for allergy sufferers.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of allergies and asthma. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through diet, supplements, or safe sun exposure may help manage allergy symptoms.

How much vitamin D is recommended for potential allergy benefits? While individual needs vary, many experts suggest aiming for blood levels of 30-50 ng/mL for optimal immune function.

The Psychological Impact of February Allergies

The effects of allergies extend beyond physical symptoms, often impacting mental health and overall quality of life. Understanding and addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive allergy management.

Allergies and Mood

Allergy symptoms can significantly affect mood and cognitive function:

• Fatigue and irritability due to poor sleep quality
• Difficulty concentrating due to congestion and headaches
• Anxiety about potential allergy triggers
• Social withdrawal to avoid allergen exposure

How significantly can allergies impact mental health? Studies have shown that individuals with allergies are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially during peak allergy seasons.

Coping Strategies

Developing effective coping strategies can help mitigate the psychological impact of allergies:

1. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
2. Maintain social connections, even if it means finding alternative, allergen-free meeting places
3. Engage in regular physical activity, which can boost mood and immune function
4. Seek support from others who understand the challenges of living with allergies
5. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if allergies are significantly impacting your quality of life

Can cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help with allergy-related anxiety? Yes, CBT has been shown to be effective in helping individuals manage the stress and anxiety associated with chronic health conditions, including allergies.

As we navigate the complexities of February allergies, it’s clear that a multifaceted approach is necessary. From understanding regional variations to embracing technological solutions and addressing psychological impacts, managing allergies requires a comprehensive strategy. By staying informed, proactive, and adaptable, individuals can minimize the impact of allergies on their daily lives, even as allergy patterns continue to evolve with our changing climate.

What Are The Top Allergens in February Across the Country?

It’s February and although we’re still in the middle of winter, allergy season is just around the corner. With allergy season approaching, it’s time to start keeping a weekly watch on the pollen levels in your area. Let’s talk more about what allergies you could be facing right now.

February Allergies in the Northern United States 

Winter is coming to a close, but it’s not quite over yet for the north. We’re still seeing frosts that’s keeping any outdoor plant growth and pollination at bay. In the northern areas, we’re still seeing temperatures near freezing and no signs of spring. This means plants aren’t growing or pollinating, and that means less pollen in the air—but it also means more time spent indoors, which leaves you more exposed to indoor allergens like mold, pet dander, and dust mites.  

Top February allergens:

• Mold
• Dust
• Pet dander

February Allergies in the Southern United States

When it comes to allergies in the south, the recent high winds and mild weather are causing some of our patients to experience an earlier arrival of cedar season, as well as an earlier spring tree pollen season, as Elm pollen rates begin to skyrocket. Even though there is technically one more month of winter, we’re experiencing record-breaking high temperatures this year, especially in states like Texas and Florida, causing plants to pollinate even earlier than last year. This will continue to wreak havoc on our allergies here in the south. 

Top February allergens:

• Mountain Cedar (Juniper)
• Elm
• Mold

Allergens in the Eastern United States

The last hurrah of winter has come through the East. Through this last cold front, we expect more time spent indoors meaning more exposure to allergens such as mold, pet dander, and dust. These are considered perennial allergens because they are allergens that survive and keep you sneezing all year long, regardless of the season! Meanwhile, outdoor allergens are slowly but surely increasing as we prepare for the upcoming spring tree pollen season. 

Top February allergens:

• Dust Mites
• Pet Dander

February Allergies in the Western United States

Don’t forget your umbrella! With the unexpected torrential downpour the west has been facing, allergens have stirred up quite a bit. This means high Juniper and Elm pollen counts, as well as high mold counts due to the unexpected rainfall, it’s caused a lot of flooding and standing water, resulting in high levels of mold. Although there is less rainfall in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado the Juniper season remains severe.If you’re further northwest, you might be experiencing more indoor allergens like dust, which are most likely responsible for your bad symptoms.

Top February allergens:

• Juniper
• Elm
• Mold

Top December Allergies Across the Country:

Juniper:

Juniper trees are a popular choice for landscaping and gardens. Their berries can be used in cooking, but the pollen produced by their flowers causes allergies in many people. Juniper pollen, which can be released in large quantities by the trees each spring, is small enough to become airborne and spread over long distances, so even if you live far from a state where the plants grow naturally, Juniper pollen could still cause allergic symptoms. When choosing Juniper trees as part of your landscaping plan, keep this in mind.

Pollen can attach itself to anything it touches, including your hair, clothing, bedding, and furniture. It will eventually find its way into your lungs if you don’t take precautions against exposure. Because of its chemical structure, Juniper pollen can cause allergic reactions in people who are typically not as sensitive to other environmental allergens, making it a severe allergen. If you only experience allergies once a year, and that’s at Juniper time, then it probably means that your body is immune to other kinds of pollen, but not this one.

Symptoms of Juniper allergies:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Allergy headaches
• Sore throat
• Constant sneezing or wheezing

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How to prevent Juniper allergy symptoms and reduce Juniper exposure:

• Use a HEPA filter. These filters eliminate any remaining pollen in your home. They’re especially great for areas like your bedroom, purifying the air so you can get a better sleep.
• Vacuum and dust regularly. Make sure to dust first and then vacuum to pick up all the fallen and kicked up dust.
• Wash your hair. Juniper pollen is so small and will stick to anything, so it’s important to wash your hair after coming in from outdoors.

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Juniper allergy treatments:

• Now is the time to get ahead of your Juniper allergy because severe symptoms can develop over time. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a great way to begin treating cedar allergies.These shots are given at regular intervals, usually every two weeks. They slowly increase the body’s tolerance to allergens by exposing it to small amounts of each allergen over time.
• Allergy drops work in the same way as allergy shots, by gradually increasing your tolerance to the allergen, but they’re also portable and painless!
• If you’re tired of suffering from the harsh symptoms of Juniper pollen, our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment is just as effective as three years’ worth of allergy shots—but with just three injections over eight weeks.

Elm

Elm trees can be very difficult to avoid. The 35 different species of Elm trees cause a large amount of pollen to be produced, which is why this wind-pollinated tree can travel miles and has a significant impact on sensitive allergy sufferers. With an estimated 20 million people in the United States suffering from allergies, it’s important that your home be as clean as possible to ensure you’re not affected by dirty air. That’s why we created our free allergy calendar: so you can quickly find out what allergens will affect each season in your area. Check out our free allergy calendar today and start living confidently!

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Elm Allergy Symptoms:

If you experience these symptoms, it could be due to an Elm allergy. However, seasonal allergies often look the same, so it might be in your best interest to get an allergy test to know exactly what you’re allergic to. 

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Coughing or wheezing
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Elm Allergy Prevention:

• Wash your clothes immediately after coming inside. Elm pollen can stick to any surface. If you’ve been outdoors, especially on a windy day, there’s a good chance you have pollen stuck to your clothes.
• Keep your windows closed. It’s better to run the air conditioning instead of opening windows during allergy season. This goes for your car as well.
• Check your local pollen count. Keep in mind that pollen levels are usually highest from early morning to mid-afternoon, so try to plan your day accordingly on high pollen level days. 

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Elm Allergy Treatments:

• If you experience symptoms such as rashes, hives, or trouble breathing, take an antihistamine.
• If you’re looking for long-term allergy relief, immunotherapy—also known as allergy shots—is a great way to go. Allergy shots are administered by an allergist in the clinic. You receive injections every week or bi-weekly until your body is able to tolerate the allergen without an allergic reaction. The goal is complete tolerance!
• Allergy drops work like allergy shots, gradually exposing the body to an allergen under the tongue. This treatment is great for those who want an easy way to manage their allergies but don’t have time for frequent office visits.
• Our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment is a convenient alternative to allergy shots. This revolutionary new treatment requires just three shots over the span of eight weeks! Studies have shown that our ExACT treatments effectiveness is comparable to three years’ worth of traditional allergy shots!

Mold:

While mold is typically a perennial issue, mold counts are on the rise as we continue to see heavier rainfalls across the country. Mold can be a tricky allergen due to the fact that it can be hidden in our homes. In any area where it might be slightly damp and humid, mold will thrive. This means areas like basements and attics can harbor large amounts of mold spores, dispersing them throughout your home and eventually reaching your lungs. Mold can be a very dangerous allergen if it’s not taken care of. It can grow and spread quickly, and also have severe effects on the body if there’s continued exposure.

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Mold Allergy Symptoms:

Some common allergy symptoms you might experience from mold are:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Scratchy or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Wheezing

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Mold Allergy Prevention Tips:

• Check dark, humid areas frequently. If your home has an attic or basement, be sure to frequently check on these areas to ensure that there is no mold growth. 
• Fix leaky faucets. Any stagnant water can lead to mold growth, this can be found under kitchen or bathroom sinks.
• Throw out any moldy food. If you have food on the counter, make sure it isn’t moldy or infested with fruit flies.

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Mold Allergy Treatments:

Luckily, mold allergies can be treated! If you’re looking for long-term treatment options, allergy shots, allergy drops, or even our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment will help treat the root cause of your mold allergy, not just mask the symptoms.

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If you’re tired of sneezing and itching, tired of avoiding your friends or family because the pollen count is too high, and tired of having to choose between saving money and getting proper treatment then it’s time to see what we can do for you at Aspire Allergy & Sinus. We specialize in allergy diagnosis, treatment and management, from taking care of seasonal allergies to minimizing allergy symptoms year round. Don’t let a few sneezes ruin your life; book an appointment today!

Your Month-by-Month Guide to Allergies

You may feel as though you have year-round allergies, and you may be right. See what’s most likely to be causing you to sneeze and wheeze as the months go by.

By Beth W. OrensteinMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Reviewed: December 21, 2012

Medically Reviewed

If you suffer from allergies for even part of the year, you may wonder when you’ll get a reprieve. People with spring allergies, fall allergies, or winter allergies might feel relief during their off seasons, but for those who experience allergy symptoms year-round — it’s a constant battle with allergens in the air. Here’s a look at which allergies plague people most — and when.

January

During the winter, there’s less pollen (if any) floating around, but cranking up the heat indoors can kick up house dust, a winter allergy trigger. If you’re allergic to dust, winter allergies can be just as bad as in the spring and fall. To reduce dust exposure, it helps to keep your home’s humidity below 55 percent, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly, and encase pillows and mattresses with dust-mite-proof covers.

February

Mold and dust can cause year-round allergy symptoms, but even if dust and mold don’t bring on the sniffles for you, trees can cause your allergies to flare at this time of year, depending on where you live. “We can see tree pollen as early as February, even in the Northeast,” says Marjorie L. Slankard, MD, an associate attending physician and director of the Allergy Clinic at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. In the United States, trees that commonly cause allergies include catalpa, elm, hickory, olive, pecan, sycamore, and walnut. Tree pollen can cause the same symptoms as most spring allergies — watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

March

Tree pollen remains high on the list of allergens for March, which marks the beginning of spring. “If the trees, grasses, and pollens start coming out early, March can be rough going for people with spring allergies,” Dr. Slankard says. Though nice spring weather beckons you outside, if you have spring allergies, keep your eye on the pollen count. The higher the count, the worse the allergies will be. A good place to check pollen counts is at the National Allergy Bureau of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.

April

April showers can bring … spring allergies. All that rain can make for blooming flowers, but as beautiful as they are, flowers and their pollen means discomfort for people with spring allergies. In some areas of the country, grass pollen emerges in April, too. Between the pollen from the flowers and the pollen from the grass, spring allergies may make you feel especially miserable.

May

Allergic to tree pollen? Although tree pollination can begin as early as February, it can last through May. That means you might need to slog through spring allergies for four long months. Grass pollen can also emerge this time of year in some parts of the country.

June

June is a key grass pollen month in many areas, and it’s likely that grass pollen will start to trigger your spring allergies by this time of year if it hasn’t already. As the days get longer and the temperature gets higher, you’ll probably want to spend more time outdoors. If you suffer from spring allergies, you may have good days and bad days — the temperature, the rainfall amount, and even the time of day will affect grass pollen levels, and you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

July

The good news is that by July, grass pollen should subside and you might feel like your spring allergies are finally becoming manageable again. The bad news is that July marks the start of fungus spores and seeds, so if you’re allergic to molds and spores, too, you may feel like your allergies never end. Mold can grow on fallen leaves, compost piles, grasses, and grains.

August

August is a prime month for people with summer allergies to mold spores, which peak during hot, humid weather. You might want to stay inside on days when the mold spore count is particularly high. The best way to keep away from these allergens is to run the air conditioning with a HEPA filter — this cool comfort indoors should help you feel better during the dog days of August.

September

Late summer/early fall ragweed is the most common cause of fall allergies. Depending on where you live, ragweed-fueled fall allergies can start in August or September and continue through October and possibly November. Pollen grains are lightweight and spread easily, especially on windy days. The more wet and windy autumn is in your area, the more easily the pollen spreads, and the worse your symptoms will feel.

October

Chances that fall allergies will ease by October get better the farther north you go in the United States. But in warmer climates, fall allergies can linger well into this month. Seasonal rain and wind can also ramp up mold spores — if your fall allergies include mold or fungi spores, your symptoms may linger.

November

The ragweed pollen season usually ends by mid-November in most areas of the country. If you have fall allergies and react to fungi and molds, you probably face your worst symptoms in late summer and early fall. Although you might feel miserable from the end of March until November, making it seem like you have year-round allergies, you should get a break now. November may be one of the best months for people with outdoor allergies, which allows for enjoying the crisp weather. Then, just in time, indoor allergies to pet dander and indoor molds pick up.

December

As pretty as they are, real Christmas trees can make you wheeze and sneeze. It’s likely not the tree itself that triggers allergies but the microscopic mold spores that can harbor in its branches. If you can’t resist buying a live tree despite winter allergies, take it home a week before you plan to decorate it and leave it in a garage or an enclosed porch. Then give it a good shake to try to get rid of any spores.

Donate blood for pollen allergy in February at the Optimum medical laboratory in Sochi (Adler)

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Comprehensive analysis “February Pollen”

Comprehensive study “Pollen February (Hornbeam, Cypress, Hazel, Pine)”, , which allows to detect specific IgE antibodies in the blood and determine their concentration, is carried out to detect sensitization of the patient’s body to these allergens.

Allergic reaction is an abnormal form of immune response that occurs when the human body is over-receptive to repeated exposure to certain foreign substances. The first exposure to allergens provokes the production of antibodies of the isotype E, the subsequent – the degranulation of specific immune cells due to IgE.

In the development of allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis and bronchial asthma, the main role is played by inhaled allergens – tree fingers . To date, more than 9000 types of pollen allergens are known, the distribution of which depends on the area. To help allergy sufferers, floristic maps are compiled, including a list of plants from different regions and a schedule for their flowering.

A representative of the coniferous family – cypress (growing in the southern regions of our country), is a very strong allergen, its pollination begins in February. Signs of pollinosis appear when a threshold concentration of its pollen accumulates in the air. In addition, it is characterized by the presence of similar antigens that can cause an immune cross-reaction with allergens pines and representatives of the beech-flower family – hornbeam and hazel.

To detect the hypersensitivity of the human body to pollen allergens, special laboratory tests are carried out that allow detecting immune disorders and determining the etiological cause of the allergic reaction.

When is the test done?

Conducting immunological analysis “Pollen February (hornbeam, cypress, hazel, pine)” necessary for:

• the patient has symptoms of hay fever – sore throat, clear discharge from the nose, cough, watery eyes, redness and itching of the eyelids, bronchospasm;
• inability to perform skin tests;
• the need to quantify the specificity of inhalant allergens;
• total IgE titer more than 100 IU/l;
• monitoring of ongoing course of specific immunotherapy.

Test method

A sample of biological material (venous blood) is taken in the manipulation room of the laboratory center in the morning, on an empty stomach.

On the eve of the procedure, the patient should:

• refrain from eating;
• stop drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks;
• eliminate psycho-emotional stress;
• limit smoking and physical activity.

immunoassay method with chemiluminescent detection capability.

Analysis interpretation

Normally, specific IgE antibodies do not exceed 0.35 kU/L. An increase in their level confirms the patient’s sensitization to inhaled allergens of hornbeam, cypress, hazel and pine pollen.

Blossom allergy: when spring becomes hell

04/29/2018

We talked with the allergist Olga Zhogoleva about the prevention of hay fever, ways to identify allergens and common symptoms of this disease.

What types of spring allergies are there?

The main problem is pollinosis, the reaction of the body to pollen. Important: if we are talking about the flowering of trees, we mean that the buds have opened. Snow may still lie on the street, but pollen is already detectable in the air, as happened with alder at the end of February. In Russia, it is difficult to understand whether a patient has hay fever or not. There are few ways to detect pollen in the air. In St. Petersburg, allergists often use finger traps from Finnish colleagues (Norkko.fi) for this. The websites of Pollen Club and AllergoTop show the concentration in Moscow and some other cities. Since this year, Allergotop has been showing pollen levels for St. Petersburg as well.

There are other sources as well. There is such a syndrome of “melting snow” – while the symptoms of allergic rhinitis appear when the snow melts. People associate this condition with reagents, but more likely the cause of this aggravation is everything that is released from under the snow – mold and animal feces. People with allergies to cats and dogs may experience symptoms because the concentration of animal allergens increases in the air.

Photo: Artem Bondarenko

There is one “spring” allergy that is not associated with going out: the activation of the reproduction of mites in house dust. People with a year-round reaction to dust may experience an aggravation in early spring because of this.

What are the characteristic symptoms of hay fever? How to distinguish it from SARS?

It is difficult for an ordinary person to distinguish one from the other. There are several strongholds.

Symptoms began and ended within a few days – this is most often SARS. You can think about allergies if we lived in a house for seven days, then moved out of there and we felt better. The allergy lasts as long as the allergen is in effect. If the trees bloom from April to May, then the symptoms will last the same amount.

With allergic rhinitis, there is no temperature. The patient actively secretes a clear liquid from the nose throughout the entire period of exacerbation. The immune system thinks the pollen is the enemy and tries to flush it out. With viral infections, the snot becomes thicker after a few days and takes on different shades due to oxidation. With allergic rhinitis, one half of the nose will not be stuffed up – most often the stuffing is symmetrical.

The characteristic itchy nose for allergic rhinitis is a permanent condition.

Allergists have the concept of “allergic salute” – this is a characteristic gesture when a person tries to wipe snot and scratch his nose with one movement.

Allergy sufferers have conjunctivitis. Eyes redden and itch, lacrimation occurs. And the last sign is a monotonous flow. ARVI is characterized by the onset, peak and improvement, but with allergies this will not happen, or a systematic worsening of the condition occurs as contact with the allergen continues.

What processes occur in the body in this disease?

There are five types of allergic reactions. Pollinosis is an immediate type of allergy. It occurs with the participation of a special type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This is a substance that we can detect in the blood and diagnose allergies. IgE are direct participants in an allergic reaction. A protein that can attach like a key to a lock to another protein is called an antibody. During an allergic reaction, special proteins are formed that can recognize pollen and attach to it. The combination of immunoglobulin E with a pollen molecule triggers the release of histamine (a special biologically active substance) from another participant – mast cells. When histamine is expelled, it causes all the symptoms that we have already talked about: itching, swelling, redness, watery eyes and a runny nose. Therefore, antihistamines that prevent histamine from working are what we treat allergies with.

Why do allergies develop?

Allergists do not know this for sure. Yes, we see that there is a genetic predisposition. When the patient says that several generations in the family have been suffering from a runny nose in the spring, the diagnosis is more obvious.

It happens that a person develops symptoms for the first time in the family. This is due to the fact that we have a group of genes that are responsible for such reactions. And in one patient they may be one, in another completely different, but the symptoms will be the same. The genetic diagnosis of allergies is complex. Doctors do not have such a routine practice: the first person in the family came with a runny nose, we will now check his DNA and say – you are a newly minted allergic because of this gene.

Smoking affects the formation of allergies. This is a known and scientifically proven risk factor. This includes not only passive smoking, but even tertiary passive smoking. When someone smoked and left the room, and a person came there and breathed this air. Even tobacco smoke remaining on horizontal surfaces threatens the proper functioning of the immune system.

Photo: Artem Bondarenko

Much attention is paid to the influence of environmental factors in modern allergology, for example, it is noted that allergies are less common in the countryside. In the city, the ecology is bad and the space is excessively sterilized. People use a lot of antiseptics and overly protect children from contact with animals, puddles, dirt and germs. The immune system of an urban child is less trained and can confuse “friends and enemies.” The immune system thinks that harmless irritants are the enemy, and forms an allergic reaction. The root causes of this are not completely clear, there is a “black box” step on the way to an allergic reaction.

Allergy prevention is the most relevant and interesting topic of modern allergology. I think that every year we will improve in it better and better.

There are several studies that have compared the prevalence of asthma as the most severe form of allergy. It turned out that children living in the countryside in contact with animals are much less likely to develop bronchial asthma. Contact with animals is a factor in the prevention of allergies.

What methods are still used for prevention?

As I said, secondhand smoke should be avoided. If we proceed from the hygienic theory of allergy (we limit the person too much in contact with foreign molecules), then antiseptic soaps should be abandoned. And even less use antiseptic sprays for the throat and nose during SARS. This is not only a factor in the development of allergies, but is also useless in a viral infection. As is the overuse of antibiotics. We are killing the friendly microflora that would properly influence the immune system.

Strict diets, which are often prescribed to nursing mothers, are ineffective and harmful. The gastrointestinal tract and immune system of the child is less in contact with a variety of molecules. The risk that she will then get confused and give out a variety of allergic reactions not only to food becomes higher.

There is also the concept of “atopic march” – these are various allergic diseases replacing each other. Atopic dermatitis is the first link, in which the skin is poorly protected from the environment, very, very permeable and easily inflamed. The current theory about the origin of allergies suggests that an allergy to dust and pollen appears if an allergen from the air begins to enter unprotected skin.

The immune system of the skin begins to produce immunoglobulins E, which we discussed above. The body begins to react to food, and then give out a respiratory allergy.

Let’s return to prevention: if a person has atopic dermatitis, then it is very important for him to take care of his skin and use special creams. They create a protective layer and help resist the development of an allergic march. It would seem that rhinitis and skin are distant things, but this is one way to reduce the risks.

What is the difference between childhood and adult allergies? Can it pass with age?

Pollen allergy is rare in children under 3 years of age because the child must survive several flowering seasons. Therefore, when an eight-month-old baby sneezes, you should not panic and feed him antihistamines. Of course, there is hay fever with an early onset, but this is a very big exception to the rule. Early onset often indicates a more severe course later on.

There is also the concept of cross-allergy – this is a situation when the immune system confuses food with pollen due to the fact that pollen molecules look like food molecules for these antibodies. A person is allergic to birch pollen, eats an apple and has an itchy mouth because the apple has certain molecules that are very similar to tree pollen. Such a reaction to fruit occurs solely due to an allergy to pollen. By eliminating such foods from the diet in advance, it is impossible to reduce the likelihood of developing a cross-allergy to them. The reason is the accumulation of a huge amount of proteins that can react to pollen, which begin to react also to some food. And such an allergy is more often manifested at an older age.

Allergies can go away with age, but this should be a nice bonus, not an argument for doing nothing.

More often we are faced with remission – a persistent improvement, but it can also be replaced by deterioration. Allergic asthma often goes into remission in people during adolescence, but can come back. Any such case is individual.

Photo: Artem Bondarenko

Against the background of adequate treatment, the chance to go into remission at any age increases. ASIT – allergen-specific immunotherapy – is one of them. This method uses low doses of allergens that train the immune system to respond properly to them. The method has been used for children as young as 5 years of age, and there is increasing evidence of its safety from infancy.

Allergists and patients are looking forward to preventive ASIT. It will be used when tests determine that a person may have an allergic reaction. Antiglobulin proteins have already begun to form, but there are no symptoms. If prophylactic ASIT is applied at this point, he may not develop an allergy. But for now, it’s only in the plans. There are no works in this direction and a clear idea of ​​​​how this can be done. But this is the future.

What other treatments are available?

You can leave at the time of flowering to another place where there is no pollen to which you are allergic. This does not always work due to the rolling season of flowering. In St. Petersburg, trees bloom from March to May. Last year, when there was a cold snap in May, the birch closed its buds with pollen. And with warming in June, everything started anew. Some allergy sufferers, who traditionally left for May, returned to flowering, albeit less intense.

The second option is symptomatic treatment, which is the practice of most people who need to survive the flowering period. This treatment can be used in conjunction with ASIT. Usually, antihistamines are used to relieve symptoms, which prevent histamine from working. Salt solutions in the nose is also a very effective method that allows you to wash off the allergen from the nasal mucosa, as well as moisturize the nose, which improves its barrier functions.

You can use decongestant sprays that help to effectively remove swelling from the mucosa.

How to identify an allergen?

The easiest way is “provocation”. When we understand that a person’s symptoms coincide with contact with an allergen. The family lives next to a birch grove, and their child breaks out in hives every time they go out for a walk because of contact with pollen. Here, even tests are not needed in principle, they will be more formal.

You can donate blood for immunoglobulin E to the extract of a certain pollen. A more accurate method is component diagnostics. Today, doctors know a lot about the structure of allergens. It is known which specific molecule in pollen is a major allergen, which causes a reaction in most allergy sufferers. Molecular diagnostics determines immunoglobulin E to a specific molecule. In conventional analysis, there may be many other molecules inside the pollen extract. A person can give an allergic reaction not only to one, which means it is less reliable. In international practice, component diagnostics has been used since 90’s. In our country, unfortunately, this method is less common due to its cost, which is several times higher than the analysis of immunoglobulin E to pollen extract.

Another older method that has not lost its relevance is skin tests. The substance that we are looking for in the blood is located in our skin and mucous membranes. It is possible to apply pollen extract to the skin and damage the top layer of the skin so that the substance does not get into the internal substance. If there are antibodies there, then they will interact, the antihistamine will be thrown out and a local reaction will occur, as with a mosquito bite.

Photo: Artem Bondarenko

For a long time, there was a “scratch method” in practice – a linear scratch on the skin was carried out through a drop of allergen. The disadvantage of this method is that it is impossible to adjust the depth of the scratch. Marya Ivanovna does this, Pyotr Petrovich does it differently. Someone scratches until blood appears, which is absolutely impossible to do. The purpose of the procedure is to prevent the allergen from entering the bloodstream. Only then can it be called a minimally invasive procedure without the risk of side effects.

It was possible to standardize this procedure with the help of a prick test. Special lancets were invented, which cannot damage the skin by more than a millimeter. This unified method is accepted in world practice.

Due to conservatism in Russia, the “scratch method” still exists. All the limitations of this method are trying to be transferred to other diagnostics, which we talked about above. In world practice, prick tests are interpreted with caution at the age of up to 2 years, for some reason we traditionally do not do skin tests up to 3 years, and then, as the doctor’s fantasy works, someone says up to 8 . This is not about the harmfulness of the test, but simply that it may not work due to the sensitivity of the skin of a child under 2 years old.

This method is based on a local allergic reaction due to the release of histamine, and if a person takes antihistamines, then we will not see anything on the skin. Therefore, when using any skin tests, you need to cancel the drugs. This has nothing to do with a blood test, but in our country there is a strict ban on any antiallergic drugs if a person donates blood, which has no scientific basis. This test was invented for those who cannot stop the drugs. Alternatively, you can use the prick test, which gives results almost immediately.

If we return to the blood, then there is another modern method of molecular diagnostics – an allergochip. This is an attempt to get maximum information with minimal traumatic effect. For this test, a drop of blood and a chip are taken, in which the main molecules of all the most common allergens are fixed. This is very revealing and accurate, but very expensive. With us, this test now costs about 500 euros, and so far it cannot become the gold standard. This diagnosis is important to accurately determine the patient’s condition. Does he have a cross allergy where pollen antibodies bind to similar molecules? Or does he have a particular form of allergy to certain fruit proteins that have an increased risk of an anaphylactic reaction? For cross-allergies, we may allow fruits to be eaten if symptoms are minimal and antihistamines work well for them. And the second situation has a high risk of angioedema (Quincke’s edema) – an allergic reaction in which spontaneous and acutely developing swelling of the skin, subcutaneous tissue or mucous membranes occurs. If you do a test with an extract, then we will not know which proteins a person reacts to, but with the help of an allergochip this can be determined. That will help find and ban foods that can cause swelling.

What methods cannot be used for diagnosis?

The Voll method, which is very common in alternative medicine circles. One electrode is applied to the skin, the other to the apple and the resistance is evaluated. It creates the illusion of a more accurate diagnosis. They can find allergies to everything, plus worms and vitamin deficiencies.

Of the traditional methods, fecal analysis has no diagnostic value in allergies, especially in pollen allergies. The G4 immunoglobulin test is very popular and is still being done by some labs.