What are the most common plants that cause skin rashes. How can you identify these plants. What are the symptoms of plant-induced skin rashes. How should you treat plant-related skin irritations. What precautions can you take to avoid contact with irritating plants.

Poison Ivy: The Notorious Rash-Causing Plant

Poison ivy is one of the most well-known plants that cause skin rashes. Found throughout the United States, this plant can be encountered in various environments, from hiking trails to backyards. How can you identify poison ivy? Look for leaves growing in clusters of three on vines that can either climb trees or spread along the ground.

The entire plant contains urushiol, the compound responsible for the infamous poison ivy rash. This includes the vine, roots, leaves, flowers, and berries. When does a poison ivy rash typically appear? Symptoms usually develop within a few days after exposure, but in some cases, especially for first-time contact, it may take up to two weeks.

Symptoms and Treatment of Poison Ivy Rash

The hallmark symptoms of a poison ivy rash include:

• Very red skin
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Intense itching

To treat a poison ivy rash, a strong corticosteroid skin cream or ointment can help reduce inflammation. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to suppress the immune system or further reduce the reaction. Anti-itch topical creams can also provide relief from the persistent itching.

Poison Oak: A Deceptive Name for a Troublesome Plant

Despite its name, poison oak is not related to oak trees. This plant is another common cause of skin rashes in the United States. How does poison oak differ from poison ivy? While they share similar characteristics, poison oak leaves typically have a more lobed or scalloped appearance compared to the smoother edges of poison ivy leaves.

Like poison ivy, all parts of the poison oak plant contain urushiol, which can cause an allergic reaction upon contact. The symptoms and treatment for poison oak rashes are similar to those of poison ivy.

Stinging Nettle: A Painful Encounter in Nature

Stinging nettle is a widespread plant found in the United States, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Where is stinging nettle commonly found? It often grows in dense patches near streams, along hiking trails, in ditches, and around farmland, particularly in disturbed soil areas.

Identifying Stinging Nettle

How can you recognize stinging nettle? Look for these characteristics:

• Single stems with few branches, growing 6 to 8 feet tall
• Green or purple stems, sometimes with stinging hairs
• Dark green leaves, 2 to 4 inches long, with a tapered tip
• Clusters of whitish flowers at the base of leaf pairs along the stem

What happens when you come into contact with stinging nettle? The initial reaction is a sharp, painful sting, followed by a burning sensation and sometimes itching. The irritation can persist for several hours and may cause hives near the contact site, lasting up to 24 hours.

Interestingly, stinging nettle has been used as a folk remedy for various conditions, including joint pain, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. When cooked, the stinging properties of the plant are deactivated, making it safe for consumption.

Baby’s Breath: An Unexpected Irritant in Floral Arrangements

Baby’s breath, commonly used in floral arrangements and cultivated in perennial gardens, can be an unexpected source of skin irritation. Is baby’s breath always irritating? Typically, the fresh plant doesn’t cause problems, but when dried, it can irritate the eyes, nose, sinuses, and skin.

For people who handle baby’s breath frequently, such as floral industry employees, it can even trigger asthma reactions. The skin irritation caused by dried baby’s breath is usually minor and temporary.

Reducing Reactions to Baby’s Breath

If you’re sensitive to baby’s breath but still want to enjoy its delicate beauty, consider these tips:

• Choose double-flower varieties, which tend to cause fewer reactions than single-flower types
• If you’re planting baby’s breath in your garden, opt for double-flower varieties
• When ordering bouquets, request double-flower baby’s breath if available

For those experiencing asthma reactions to baby’s breath, it’s best to avoid handling the plant altogether.

Leadwort: A Beautiful Plant with a Potential Sting

Leadwort, also known as plumbago, is a beautiful ornamental plant that can cause skin irritation in some people. What makes leadwort potentially irritating? The plant produces a sticky substance on its leaves and stems that can cause a rash upon contact.

The rash from leadwort is typically mild and resolves on its own within a few days. However, some individuals may experience more severe reactions. To enjoy leadwort in your garden while minimizing risk, consider planting it in areas where it won’t come into direct contact with skin, such as behind other plants or along fences.

Giant Hogweed: A Dangerous Invasive Species

Giant hogweed is an invasive plant that poses significant health risks. Why is giant hogweed considered dangerous? Contact with its sap can cause severe skin and eye irritation, blistering, scarring, and even blindness if it gets into the eyes.

Identifying Giant Hogweed

How can you recognize giant hogweed? Look for these distinctive features:

• Extremely tall plants, growing up to 14 feet or higher
• Hollow, rigid stems 2 to 4 inches in diameter
• Green stems with purple splotches and coarse, white hairs
• Deeply lobed, compound leaves up to 5 feet across
• White, umbrella-shaped flower heads up to 2.5 feet across

Giant Hogweed Exposure: Symptoms and First Aid

What happens if you come into contact with giant hogweed sap? The sap is phototoxic, meaning it requires exposure to ultraviolet light to cause a reaction. The resulting skin rash may resemble a second-degree burn and can leave long-lasting scars and sensitivity to sunlight.

If you suspect contact with giant hogweed:

1. Keep the exposed area away from sunlight for 48 hours
2. Wash the area with soap and cold water as soon as possible
3. If sap gets in your eyes, rinse them with water and wear sunglasses
4. Seek medical attention if you develop a reaction

Other Plants That Can Cause Skin Irritation

While we’ve covered some of the most common and dangerous plants that cause skin rashes, there are many others to be aware of. What other plants can cause skin irritation?

• Poison Sumac: Similar to poison ivy and oak, causing an itchy, blistering rash
• Wild Parsnip: Its sap can cause a severe, burning rash when exposed to sunlight
• Wood Nettle: Related to stinging nettle, causing similar painful stings
• Cow Parsnip: Can cause phytophotodermatitis, a rash that develops when exposed to sunlight
• Manchineel: A highly toxic tree found in tropical areas, causing severe skin reactions

Preventing Plant-Induced Skin Rashes

How can you protect yourself from plant-induced skin rashes? Here are some effective prevention strategies:

1. Learn to identify common irritating plants in your area
2. Wear protective clothing when hiking or working in areas with potential irritants
3. Use barrier creams before outdoor activities
4. Wash your skin and clothing promptly after potential exposure
5. Keep pets from running through areas with poisonous plants, as they can transfer the oils to you
6. Remove known irritating plants from your property, especially if you have children

The Importance of Plant Awareness

Why is it crucial to be aware of plants that can cause skin irritation? Understanding which plants pose risks and how to identify them can help you avoid painful and potentially dangerous skin reactions. This knowledge is particularly important for outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, and parents of young children who may unknowingly come into contact with these plants.

By familiarizing yourself with the appearance and habitats of common irritating plants, you can enjoy nature safely and confidently. Remember, while many plants can cause skin reactions, severe allergic responses are relatively rare. Most plant-induced rashes, while uncomfortable, can be managed with proper care and treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Plant-Related Skin Reactions

While most plant-induced skin rashes can be treated at home, there are instances when professional medical care is necessary. When should you seek medical attention for a plant-related skin reaction?

• If you experience severe swelling, especially around the face or throat
• If you develop a fever or signs of infection
• If the rash covers a large portion of your body
• If you have difficulty breathing
• If you’ve had contact with giant hogweed or other highly toxic plants
• If home treatments don’t improve symptoms after a few days

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you’re unsure about the severity of your reaction or if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional.

The Role of Allergies in Plant-Induced Skin Reactions

How do allergies factor into plant-induced skin reactions? While many plant-related skin irritations are due to direct contact with irritating substances, some people may have allergic reactions to certain plants. These allergic responses can range from mild to severe and may worsen with repeated exposure.

If you find that you’re particularly sensitive to certain plants, it may be worthwhile to consult with an allergist. They can perform tests to identify specific plant allergies and provide guidance on management and prevention strategies.

The Environmental Impact of Invasive Irritating Plants

Beyond their potential to cause skin irritation, some plants like giant hogweed pose significant environmental concerns. How do invasive irritating plants impact local ecosystems?

• They can outcompete native plant species, reducing biodiversity
• They may alter soil chemistry, affecting other plants and microorganisms
• They can disrupt local food webs by replacing plants that native animals rely on
• They may increase erosion in some areas by replacing plants with deeper root systems

What can be done to combat invasive irritating plants? Many regions have invasive species management programs that work to control and eradicate these plants. As a citizen, you can help by reporting sightings of invasive species to local environmental agencies and by avoiding the spread of these plants in your own gardening practices.

The Importance of Biodiversity in Preventing the Spread of Irritating Plants

How does biodiversity help control the spread of irritating plants? In diverse ecosystems, there are often natural predators or competitors that help keep potentially invasive or irritating plants in check. When ecosystems lose biodiversity, it can create opportunities for these problematic plants to spread unchecked.

By supporting conservation efforts and maintaining diverse plant communities in our own green spaces, we can help create resilient ecosystems that are less susceptible to the spread of irritating and invasive plant species.

Future Directions in Managing Plant-Induced Skin Irritations

As our understanding of plant-induced skin irritations grows, what future developments might we see in this field? Some potential areas of advancement include:

• Development of more effective barrier creams and protective clothing
• Improved treatments for plant-induced rashes and allergic reactions
• Advanced detection methods to identify irritating plants in the environment
• Gene editing techniques to reduce the production of irritating compounds in ornamental plants
• Enhanced public education programs about plant safety and identification

These advancements could significantly improve our ability to prevent and manage plant-induced skin irritations, allowing for safer interactions with our natural environment.

The Role of Climate Change in Plant-Induced Skin Irritations

How might climate change affect the prevalence of plants that cause skin irritations? As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, we may see changes in the distribution and growth patterns of many plant species, including those that cause skin irritations. Some potential impacts include:

• Expansion of the range of certain irritating plants into new areas
• Changes in the growing seasons of irritating plants, potentially increasing exposure times
• Alterations in plant chemistry that could affect the potency of irritating compounds
• Increased growth rates of some invasive species, making them harder to control

These potential changes highlight the importance of ongoing research and monitoring of plant species and their effects on human health. By staying informed and adaptable, we can better prepare for and respond to any shifts in the landscape of plant-induced skin irritations.

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and 7 Other Plants That Can Give You a Rash

Poison ivy is found across the United States. You can come into contact with it while hiking in the woods, but it grows virtually everywhere — along roadsides, on fences, in backyards. Poison ivy leaves grow in clusters of three on vines that can grow up into trees or trail along the ground. Every part of the plant contains the compound called urushiol, which causes poison ivy’s notorious rash — the vine, the roots, the leaves, the flowers, and the berries.

A poison ivy rash typically appears a few days after exposure, and can even take a week or two if this is your first time in contact with the plant. When it does, you’ll know it: You’ll see very red skin, swelling, and blisters, and you’ll feel a serious itch. A strong corticosteroid skin cream or ointment can help with the inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe other medication if the inflammation is severe, to either suppress your immune system or to help further reduce the reaction. Anti-itch topical creams may also help.

RELATED: How to Treat Poison Ivy and Reduce Discomfort

2. Poison Oak: Not Related to Oak Trees

Stinging nettle is the best-known member of the nettle family. It grows throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The plant tends to grow in dense patches near streams, along hiking trails, in ditches, and around farmland, often where the earth has been disturbed.

The stems of stinging nettle are singular, with few branches, and can grow 6 to 8 feet tall. The stems may be green or purple and may or may not have stinging hairs. The petioles (stem parts of the leaf) and undersides of the leaves also have stinging hairs.

The leaves of stinging nettle are longer than they are wide, and dark green, 2 to 4 inches long, with a tapered tip. Clusters of whitish flowers grow at the base of each pair of leaves along the stem.

Coming into contact with stinging nettle causes a sharp, painful sting, followed by a burning sensation and sometimes itching. The irritation can linger for several hours and cause hives near the site of contact which can last up to 24 hours.

Stinging nettle is sometimes gathered for food or to make into tea. It has long been a folk remedy for joint pain, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Cooking deactivates the stinging properties of stinging nettle.

6. Baby’s Breath: Irritating When Dried

If you’ve ever gotten roses from a florist, chances are they were clustered with sprays of tiny white or pink flowers known as baby’s breath. You might also see baby’s breath in cultivated perennial gardens.

Baby’s breath generally isn’t an irritant while it’s still alive, but when it’s dried, it can irritate the eyes, nose, and sinuses, as well as the skin. It can additionally cause asthma in people who touch it frequently, such as floral industry employees.

The skin irritation caused by baby’s breath is usually minor and temporary.

People who have become sensitized to baby’s breath and are having asthma reactions ideally should stop handling it.

Interestingly, double-flower varieties of baby’s breath tend to cause fewer reactions than single-flower varieties, so if you’re planting it in your garden or have a choice when ordering a bouquet, go for the double-flower option.

7. Leadwort: Look but Don’t Touch

Giant hogweed is an invasive plant in Europe and North America and, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, a “federally listed noxious weed” in the United States.

Contact with the sap of giant hogweed can cause serious skin and eye irritation, blistering, scarring, and even blindness if the sap gets in the eye. The skin rash may look like a second-degree burn and can leave you with long-lasting scars and sensitivity to sunlight.

Giant hogweed sap is phototoxic, which means it requires exposure to ultraviolet light to cause a reaction. If you touch giant hogweed — or think you might have — keep the exposed area away from sunlight for 48 hours, and wash it with soap and cold water as soon as possible. If you get sap in your eyes, rinse them with water and wear sunglasses. See a physician if you have a reaction.

You can recognize giant hogweed in part by its size: It can grow to 14 feet high or higher and has hollow, rigid stems 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Its deeply lobed, compound leaves can grow up to 5 feet across, and its white, umbrella-shaped flower heads, can be up to 2.5 feet across. The stems of giant hogweed are green with purple splotches and coarse, white hairs.

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Plants can cause mild to severe skin reactions, dermatologist warns

This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Issue: March 2011

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Common vegetation can cause rashes, hives and even
severe internal swelling, but most of these reactions can be avoided with
simple preventive measures, Julian J. Trevino, MD, FAAD, said in a
presentation at the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology
in New Orleans.

Most people experience mild reactions at the point of
contact with the plant, but certain people with allergies or sensitive skin
that is prone to eczema or atopic dermatitis may experience severe or
longer-lasting effects that will require medical attention.

When brushed up against, stinging nettle plants release
histamine or acetylcholine that cause toxin-mediated urticaria within 30 to 60
minutes after exposure. In most cases, the hives resolve on their own within a
few hours, Trevino said in a press release.

Immunologic contact urticaria is a more severe type of
hive outbreak that occurs in those with eczema or who regularly handle fresh
fruits and vegetables, herbs, nuts shrubs and grasses. Immunologic contact
urticaria has been known to causes swelling in the throat, lungs or
gastrointestinal tract — conditions that require immediate medical
attention.

The spines and glochids of certain cacti or prickly pear
plants are another source of skin irritation. Because the spines may break the
skin, they carry the risk of an additional bacterial or fungal infection,
Trevino said.

“The spines from the plants should be carefully
removed from the skin, usually with tweezers or a piece of tape that is placed
over the area where the spine entered the skin and gently torn away with the
tip of the spine attached,” he said in the release. “Minor itching,
irritation or rash can be typically treated with an oral antihistamine or
over-the-counter topical steroid, but when a rash doesn’t respond to
over-the-counter treatments, you should see a dermatologist. In cases where a
rash is accompanied by more severe reactions, such as difficulty in breathing
or swallowing, a person should go to the emergency room immediately.”

Some of the most well-known irritating plants —
poison ivy, oak and sumac — contain a resinous sap called urushiol that
causes a rash on the 50% of the population who is allergic to these plants.

“When a poison ivy plant is injured in any way, the
urushiol is released quickly and can stick to anything around it,” Trevino
said in the release. “That means that you can develop poison ivy if you
pet your dog after he has come in contact with the plant, or if you touch a
gardening tool or piece of clothing that has come in contact with poison ivy.
Even airborne contact with urushiol is possible, especially in the fall or
winter when these poisonous plants are burned among other brush and particles
of urushiol are released into the air. If these airborne particles land on your
skin or you inhale them, you can get a widespread rash and severe irritation in
the respiratory tract. ”

When skin makes contact with urushiol, reactions can be
minimized by immediately washing the area of contact with water, Trevino said.
To treat the rash, he recommended lukewarm baths with products containing
aluminum acetate, or tropic calamine lotion or steroids. Oral antihistamines
can be helpful, although topical ones should be avoided because some people are
allergic to them.

A patient with a severe rash that does not dissipate
with OTC medications may require topical or oral steroids, according to
Trevino.

To minimize the risk of such skin reactions, he
recommended the following tips with patients:

• Wear protective clothing whenever possible — including gloves
  (preferably vinyl gloves), long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks.
• Apply an OTC barrier cream or lotion containing quaternium-18
  bentonite to exposed skin before going outdoors. This helps prevent urushiol
  from poisonous plants from contacting the skin.
• Avoid poisonous plants (remember this phrase: “Leaves of three,
  let it be”).

Disclosure: Dr. Trevino reports no relevant financial
disclosures.

Pollinosis (hay fever) – symptoms and treatment of allergy to flowering

Allergy

Any allergy is based on a special mechanism – an atopic reaction, or atopy. This is the tendency of the body to react hostilely to proteins (allergens) that are relatively harmless to humans.

One of the manifestations of allergy is rhinitis (runny nose). It develops when allergen particles get on the nasal mucosa. Quite often, inflammation also spreads to the eyes – in this case, they talk about allergic rhinoconjunctivitis .

In general, allergic rhinitis is often combined with other types of allergies, such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis, forming the so-called atopic triad.

With asthma due to contact with an allergen, edema develops and spasm of the bronchi occurs – the airways through which oxygen enters the lungs. During an asthmatic attack, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe and without medication, he can die.

Atopic dermatitis Allergic skin reaction. Its main symptoms are redness, itching, burning, drying and cracking of the skin. Dermatitis can significantly affect a person’s appearance and cause severe discomfort.

According to WHO, 40% of patients with allergic rhinitis have asthma and 90% of patients with asthma have allergic rhinitis.

What is pollinosis

Pollinosis (from the English pollen – “pollen”), or seasonal allergic rhinitis (rhinoconjunctivitis), doctors call allergy to pollen of wind-pollinated plants Wind pollinated plants : birch, poplar, alder, ash, oak, linden, rye, wheat, oats, barley, timothy grass, elm, wormwood, ragweed, quinoa. the outdated assumption that grass cuttings and hay cause an allergic reaction.

Pollinosis is characterized by all the properties of an allergic disease: it occurs upon direct contact with an irritant (pollen) and can cause other types of allergies. In addition, hay fever creates the risk of developing cross-food allergies, when a person with pollen intolerance becomes overly sensitive to certain vegetables, fruits, nuts and berries. This is due to the fact that certain allergenic proteins in their composition are similar. For this reason, for example, people allergic to birch pollen often have a reaction to apples, pears, soybeans, carrots, hazelnuts, or peanuts.

As a rule, signs of pollinosis appear only during the flowering period of wind-pollinated plants. It begins with warming: in late April and May, trees bloom in temperate latitudes, from late May to July, cereal plants, and from July to September, weeds.

The duration of pollinosis depends on which plants a person has a reaction to. If you are allergic to only one type of pollen, the symptoms last for several days. In the worst case – with sensitivity to several types of plants at once – hay fever can persist throughout the warm season, from spring to autumn.

Prevalence of hay fever

Allergy is one of the most common diseases of the XXI century. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with relevant diagnoses is growing every year.

In general, hypersensitivity (sensitization) to any allergens is observed in 40% of people worldwide. At the same time, from 10 to 30% of people suffer from allergic rhinitis.

The prevalence of allergy specifically to pollen depends on the region and on the number of plants that are part of the local flora. For example, according to the World Allergy Organization, approximately 12.3% of the population in Northern and Eastern Europe has pollinosis, and more than 21% in Western Europe. The highest rates are in North America and in the countries of Oceania: more than 33% and almost 40% of people, respectively, suffer from pollinosis there.

Hay fever in ICD-10

According to the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision, hay fever is assigned the code J30.1 – “Allergic rhinitis caused by plant pollen.”

Causes of hay fever

The main cause of hay fever is the body’s reaction to contact with pollen.

Pollen is a powdery substance consisting of male germ cells of various plants. About 150 wind-pollinated trees, cereals and grasses are known, the pollen of which can cause allergies.

Pollen is scattered along with wind currents and can travel hundreds of kilometers from its source. During the flowering period, it is constantly in the air, settles on asphalt, cars, animal hair, clothes and people’s hair. If windows are open in the room, pollen can end up on curtains, as well as on any surfaces – on the floor, window sill and furniture.

As soon as the pollen gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth of a person predisposed to hay fever, he develops an allergy and the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Ragweed is a dangerous plant that often causes hay fever

Hay fever mechanism

To protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies. These are special proteins that can recognize, remember and destroy pathogens. When antibodies encounter a pathogen in the body, they provoke a whole cascade of biological processes – an immune reaction, during which the “intruders” must die.

Sometimes the immune system fails and, after the first contact with harmless proteins, “puts them on the list” of pathogens (allergens). This process is called sensitization – an increase in sensitivity to a protein that becomes an allergen. The exact reason why sensitization occurs has not yet been established. However, it is precisely because of it that the first antibodies responsible for allergies begin to be synthesized – immunoglobulins of the IgE class.

Upon subsequent contact with the allergen (in the case of hay fever, with pollen), immunity is activated and begins to actively release immunoglobulins into the blood. They react to an allergen and stimulate the production of special substances – mediators responsible for an immediate allergic reaction.

Allergy mediators make blood vessels more permeable, slow blood flow in capillaries, provoke inflammation of the mucous membranes, and in some cases cause spasms in the bronchi. All these processes lead to the appearance of typical allergy symptoms: edema, inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Factors affecting the development of hay fever

The exact cause of sensitization to allergens is still under investigation. However, experts identify a number of factors that may increase the risk of hay fever with some probability.

Factors that may influence the development of hay fever:

• genetics. According to some data, a predisposition to allergies can be inherited from parents to children. It is believed that there are a number of genes that determine the functioning of the immune system and may be responsible for the development of hay fever. However, they have not yet been identified;
• active and passive smoking. Inhalation of tobacco smoke irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which can cause sensitization or increase the symptoms of hay fever;
• ecology. Industrial gases and fumes that a person inhales negatively affect the mucous membranes of the nose, bronchi and lungs;
• climate. In temperate and warm latitudes, more wind-pollinated plants grow. In addition, global warming increases the duration and intensity of flowering, which increases the risk of sensitization;
• standard of living and living conditions. Some researchers believe that exhaust fumes, as well as heating, air conditioning and high levels of indoor humidity, may be the cause of increased sensitivity to allergens. In support of this theory, a study was conducted that found that among children living in poor conditions, allergic rhinitis occurs almost twice as often as among children with a higher standard of living.

Types of hay fever

There is no generally accepted classification of types of hay fever. However, different types of allergic rhinitis have been identified – this is a broader concept that includes hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is distinguished by the course, severity and stage of the disease.

Downstream:

• intermittent – allergy symptoms bother a person less than 4 days a week or less than 4 weeks a year;
• persistent – symptoms are present for more than 4 days per week or more than 4 weeks per year.

Severity:

• mild – allergy symptoms are mild. They do not affect the daily life of a person and his well-being. Minor rhinitis (runny nose) may be present, rarely sneezing;
• medium degree – rhinitis is accompanied by nasal congestion, mucus secretion, sneezing. Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, may appear. Allergy symptoms prevent a person from leading a daily life, studying, working and sleeping;
• severe – symptoms greatly affect a person’s quality of life. Without treatment, he is unable to work and study, there are problems with sleep, sometimes he stops breathing during sleep. Constant itching in the nose and eyes makes a person irritable and can affect his mental state.

By disease stage:

• exacerbation – symptoms caused by contact with an allergen cause discomfort to the patient;
• remission – allergy symptoms temporarily do not appear due to the absence of an allergen or successful symptomatic therapy.

According to the period of exacerbation:

• seasonal;
• year-round.

Symptoms of hay fever

Symptoms of pollinosis occur only after contact of the mucous membranes with the pollen of wind-pollinated plants. The duration and severity of symptoms depends on the number of allergy sources and the concentration of allergens.

Main symptoms of hay fever:

• nasal congestion;
• rhinorrhea – a large amount of watery discharge from the nose;
• sneezing – often paroxysmal, occurring spontaneously;
• occurrence of snoring;
• severe itching in the nose or nasopharynx;
• itching of the tip of the nose;
• “allergic salute” – a characteristic way of scratching the nose with the palm from the bottom up, which leads to the formation of a transverse nasal wrinkle;
• violation of the sense of smell – up to its complete absence;
• swelling and redness of the nose and eyelids;
• redness of the whites of the eyes, increased tearing;
• cough, sometimes sore throat;
• headache;
• sleep disorders – frequent awakenings, prolonged falling asleep;
• decrease in overall activity and performance – weakness, fatigue, daytime sleepiness.

Patients during an exacerbation of pollinosis are characterized by increased nervousness and frequent mood swings – they are associated with poor health, sleep disturbance and annoying symptoms.

Itchy nose and sneezing are common symptoms of hay fever

Complications of hay fever

If pollinosis is not diagnosed in a timely manner, and its causes are not known and not treated, it can be complicated by bronchial asthma . According to WHO, 40% of patients with allergic rhinitis have it.

An asthma attack leads to spasm, swelling and narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi – the airways through which air enters the lungs. Because of this, the main symptoms appear – dry cough, shortness of breath and wheezing in the chest on inhalation and exhalation. A person during an attack cannot breathe normally if he does not take medicine. In severe cases, the level of oxygen in the blood decreases and the skin of the red border of the lips, the tip of the nose and fingers turns blue.

Without treatment, seizures can occur not only after contact with an allergen, but also spontaneously: for example, after physical exertion, emotional overstrain, or due to strong odors.

Also hay fever can cause allergic sinusitis . This is inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane or epithelium of the sinuses.

If mucus lingers in the sinuses due to swelling, there is pain and a feeling of fullness in the nose, in the area under the eyes or above the bridge of the nose. Sometimes an infection joins allergic sinusitis, which aggravates the symptoms and course of the disease.

In some cases, with prolonged allergies and constant irritation of the mucous membranes in the sinuses, polyps are formed – benign neoplasms consisting of epithelial tissue.

In addition to the respiratory tract, hay fever can cause inflammation of the middle or inner ear ( otitis media ) or the Eustachian tube ( eustachitis ), which communicates with the nasopharynx.

Otitis and eustachitis lead to pain, swelling and a feeling of fullness in the ears, as well as hearing loss.

Another dangerous allergic complication of hay fever is Quincke’s edema . With such a pathology, tissues of different localization can strongly swell: lips, eyelids, cheeks, tongue or mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx, and sometimes all together. In severe cases, edema leads to squeezing of the larynx and does not allow a person to breathe. This condition requires emergency medical attention.

Breath holding during sleep for more than 10 seconds – sleep apnea – occur in some patients during an exacerbation of hay fever. Pathology occurs due to edema: the lumen of the nasopharynx narrows, which leads to impaired air permeability.

Most often, breath holding occurs in the supine position. In severe cases, sleep apnea occurs in any position during sleep and can last up to 3 minutes. The frequency of delays can vary from single episodes to dozens per night. Pathology poses a threat to life, since a person literally suffocates during an attack and does not notice this because of sleep.

In a severe course of the disease, oxygen starvation develops, which leads to cell damage in all organs and affects the brain.

Diagnosis of hay fever

An allergist deals with the diagnosis of hay fever.

There are many methods for detecting pollen allergy, but all of them are necessary for making a diagnosis, clarifying the source of the allergy and the specific protein that causes the reaction. In addition, a detailed diagnosis allows you to identify cross-allergy or predict the risk of its development.

During the examination, pollen allergy is not detected immediately, the diagnosis is made in stages. First, it is important for a doctor to distinguish pollinosis from infectious diseases, and then to identify the exact source of the allergy and the allergen itself.

The diagnosis of hay fever is made on the basis of the patient’s history and complaints, as well as the results of the examination, instrumental examination and a set of laboratory tests and tests.

Complaints and anamnesis

First of all, the doctor will take an anamnesis: ask the patient or his parents (if the patient is a child) about chronic and previous diseases, cases of allergies in the family – if any, specify what exactly and how they manifest themselves.

The specialist will then ask you to describe your symptoms. Tell about their duration, strength, frequency of manifestation.

It is also important to tell your doctor if your symptoms change if your allergy worsens (or worsens) under certain conditions, season or location. For example, during summer trips to the sea, some patients are less worried about allergies than in the region of residence.

Typical symptoms for the preliminary diagnosis of allergic rhinitis are congestion (runny nose), active secretion of mucus, sneezing or itching in the nasal cavity that manifests itself for more than an hour. As a rule, the presence of all signs at once is not necessary – only two are enough.

Most often, patients complain of difficulty breathing through the nose and a large amount of mucus (snot). Conjunctivitis may also be present – swelling of the eyelids, itching and redness of the eyes, increased tearing. These signs indicate the development of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, a common form of hay fever.

Pollinosis may cause conjunctivitis. It is manifested by swelling of the eyelids, itching and redness of the eyes, increased tearing

In addition to allergic symptoms, the patient may complain of headache and general poor health – weakness, malaise, sleep disturbance. Sometimes there is a sore throat, pain in the ears, a decrease in the sharpness of smell.

Inspection

After collecting an anamnesis and complaints, the doctor will examine the patient. First of all, he will note the external signs of rhinitis: inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes, sneezing, and redness of the wings of the nose. If, with difficulty in nasal breathing, the patient breathes through the mouth, the doctor will also notice this.

In case of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, the specialist will also examine the eyes: the eyelids may be swollen, and the conjunctiva may be reddened.

Instrumental research

If allergic rhinitis is suspected, patients may be prescribed rhinoscopy – examination of the nasal cavity using a special mirror. The procedure will allow the doctor to assess the condition of the nasal mucosa, identify growth (polyps), inflammation and swelling, and determine its degree.

If allergic rhinitis is severe, patients undergo an endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity using a special device. This allows you to better examine the mucous membranes, check the sinuses and identify possible anatomical abnormalities.

Nasal endoscopy is performed using an endoscope, a device with a lens or camera that allows you to view the inside of the nasal cavity

In the case of a bacterial infection attached to allergic rhinitis, an X-ray of the sinuses is recommended – it will reveal purulent complications.

Complaints of coughing, wheezing and wheezing in the chest, as well as difficulty in inhaling and exhaling – an indication for the study of the functions of external respiration, for example, spirometry. The test evaluates the ventilation capacity of the lungs, determines the volume of inhaled and exhaled air – this allows diagnosing impaired patency of the lower respiratory tract and bronchi, as well as suggesting bronchial asthma.

Laboratory research

If hay fever is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient for tests. They will help assess the general condition of the body, as well as distinguish an allergic reaction from a bacterial or viral infection of the respiratory tract – an acute respiratory disease (ARI).

First of all, a detailed clinical blood test is prescribed. Its results will show possible inflammation and its severity, and markers of bacterial inflammation – leukocytes – will confirm or exclude acute respiratory infections.

Also, with allergies, the concentration of eosinophils increases. This is a special type of white blood cells that can also be produced in other pathologies (for example, in parasitic and autoimmune diseases). However, with characteristic symptoms, a high eosinophil count is one of the markers of an allergic reaction.

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For further diagnosis of allergic rhinosinusitis, patients are prescribed an analysis of nasal mucous membranes for eosinophils. These are special cells that are responsible for the formation of an allergic reaction.

An increase in eosinophil levels may indicate an exacerbation of allergies, but is not considered a clear indicator. This is due to the fact that other disorders also affect eosinophils – for example, parasitic and fungal infections.

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In some cases, experts recommend taking an analysis for the determination of IgE immunoglobulins in the blood. However, an increase in the level of antibodies does not always indicate an allergic reaction – this is important to consider when interpreting the results of the study.

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Skin tests are relatively accurate in identifying the source of an allergy. This method consists in applying to the skin or introducing it under it (through a scratch or puncture) of alleged allergens.

The disadvantage of skin tests is that they can not be carried out by everyone and not always. So, the study is not performed during the period of exacerbation of an allergic reaction, as well as within a month after it.

Also, the patient should not take antihistamines and any other drugs for allergies – this may distort the result of the analysis.

In addition, skin testing is not performed in children under 3 years of age and in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions. For example, with Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock – a sharp drop in pressure due to the body’s reaction to an allergen. It can be life threatening.

A more accurate way to determine the allergen is to test venous blood for the presence of specific IgE antibodies. As a result of the analysis, the amount of immunoglobulins to certain substances will be indicated.

The advantage of such studies is that they are complex and do not require any manipulation of the skin – only one puncture for blood sampling. And since allergens are not introduced into the body during the study, there is no risk of developing an allergic reaction.

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There are also more advanced and detailed studies – they are called allergy chips. The test requires a small amount of blood. According to it, in laboratory conditions, it is possible to detect a reaction to more than 300 different allergenic components, namely, to individual proteins in the composition of the allergy source.

The test can be performed on both adults and children – there is a capillary blood sampling option that is suitable even for infants.

The study allows you to accurately identify allergens, as well as predict cross-allergic reactions. The results of such a test are required for some treatments for hay fever.

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Treatment of hay fever

Pollinosis is a chronic disease, it cannot be completely cured. All types of therapy are aimed only at controlling allergy symptoms and reducing the body’s response to an irritant.

Therapy of hay fever has a stepwise character. First of all, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines. They relieve the symptoms of rhinitis: relieve itching in the nose, reduce inflammation and swelling.

Some antihistamines have a sedative (hypnotic) effect, but their properties, such as a drying effect, may be needed in some cases. If the side effect of such allergy medications is incompatible with lifestyle, another method of treatment should be discussed with the doctor, and he will select new generation medications – without sleeping pills.

For patients with moderate to severe hay fever, antihistamine and hormonal (corticosteroid) nasal sprays are recommended to relieve allergy symptoms. They are prescribed both together with tablets and separately. If conjunctivitis develops against the background of an allergy, the doctor will prescribe eye drops that relieve inflammation and itching.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists are another category of drugs that suppress inflammation in the mucous membranes of the nose and bronchi. They are used both separately and as part of complex therapy.

Vasoconstrictor sprays are prescribed if the patient cannot breathe through the nose even while taking antiallergic drugs. They should be used strictly according to the instructions (usually up to 7 days), as addiction is possible: a gradual weakening of the effect, dryness and atrophy of the nasal mucosa.

Systemic glucocorticoids (hormonal drugs) are given when other drugs have failed.

In the period of hay fever remission, a specialist may recommend allergen-specific immune therapy (ASIT). This method of treatment can save the patient from the unpleasant symptoms of pollen allergy for several years, but requires careful preliminary diagnosis and determination of a specific allergen protein. For this purpose, the doctor may prescribe, for example, an ALEX 2 allergy chip.

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If the patient has pathologies associated with a violation of the structure of the nasal cavity that make it difficult to breathe during an exacerbation of hay fever (for example, a deviated nasal septum), surgery may be required.

When the nasal septum is deviated, drugs do not always relieve allergic edema. In this case, surgery is needed (straight and deviated nasal septum)

If allergic rhinitis is combined with bronchial asthma, therapy is supplemented with a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which prevents spasms in the bronchi.

In case of severe allergic rhinitis and insufficient effectiveness of all the above stages of therapy, the doctor may prescribe a drug that reduces the concentration of IgE immunoglobulins.

Prognosis and prevention

There is no specific prevention of hay fever. However, it is possible to prevent the development of a severe form of the disease and complications. First of all, you should consult a doctor – he will help identify the allergen, make a diet to exclude cross-reaction, and also select drug therapy.

Since it is difficult to completely avoid contact with pollen, patients with hay fever are advised to monitor the flowering period of the allergen plant – for this, there are special calendars and pollination monitoring services on the Internet. Before flowering, you should purchase the preparations recommended by the doctor in advance, as well as respiratory protection equipment – masks or respirators.

During the spread of pollen, it is recommended to open windows less often, ventilate the room only in humid, rainy weather or at night, when there is less pollen in the air.

You should also take a shower, wash your hair and wash your outerwear after each exit to the street: pollen particles can settle on hair, skin and textiles.

Daily wet cleaning will help reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Additionally, you can buy an air purifier – it filters out dust and pollen, minimizing any contact with it in the room.

In case of cross-allergy, you should carefully monitor the diet, do not eat allergenic vegetables and fruits.

Sources

1. Pawankar R., Canonica G. W., Holgate S. T., Lockey R. F. WAO White Book on Allergy 2011-2012 Executive Summary. 2011.
2. Goryachkina L. A., Terekhova E. P., Sebekina O. V. Clinical Allergology. Selected lectures. Practical recommendations. M., 2017.
3. Allergic rhinitis: clinical guidelines / Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. 2020.
4. Allergology and immunology: national guidelines / ed. R. M. Khaitova, N. I. Ilyina. M., 2009.
5. Brozek J. L., Bousquet J., Baena-Cagnani C. E., et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines: 2017 revision // J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2017. Vol. 140(4). P. 950–958. doi:10/1016/j/jaci.2017.03.050

Weed pollen allergy What you need to know and how to prepare?

Weed pollen allergy is the last wave of hay fever that begins in mid-summer and can continue until the first snow. The group of weeds includes plants of several families: haze, Compositae, plantain.

Weeds are ubiquitous, and their species composition differs in different geographic regions. Even in the conditions of urban life, due to the flowering of weeds, many people feel worse.

Weed allergy symptoms

Conjunctivitis, watery eyes, nasal congestion and discharge, and sore throat that occur at certain times of the year are characteristic signs of seasonal allergies. Also, allergic reactions can manifest as peeling, dryness, skin rashes, itching and redness.

Weed allergy is confirmed when two conditions are present:

• Symptoms on exposure to pollen allergens
• Positive test results

In the CMD laboratory, you can order a laboratory test in one click to confirm your allergy to weed pollen and get an accurate quantitative result.

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Examinations are performed using the ImmunoCAP method

Competent diagnostics, a properly selected treatment regimen and regular monitoring by an allergist-immunologist give stable positive results.

ImmunoCAP technology is the international “gold” standard for laboratory diagnosis of allergies, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies will help to identify causally significant allergens, select effective elimination measures, prescribe symptomatic therapy and, if necessary, resolve the issue of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).

Possible cross-reactions

If there is a sensitization to the pollen of any weed, cross-allergic reactions to allergens of other types of weeds and meadow grasses, some trees, latex, honey, sunflower and its seeds, pears, apples, melons and some others are possible food of plant origin.

Allergic cross-reactions between weeds and plant foods are predominantly mediated by allergenic molecules called profilins. These molecules are found in all types of pollen and in all types of plant foods. Thus, if you are allergic to these molecules, you can expect cross-allergic reactions with any food of plant origin.

However, there are products that are most likely to have cross-allergic reactions with pollen:

Bee products

Sunflower seeds

Chicory

Melon

Watermelon

Herbs and spices

Citrus fruits

Bananas

Garlic

Carrot

Allergy to haze pollen may cause reactions to beets and spinach.

People who are allergic to weed pollen may also have allergic reactions to herbal medicines. You should refrain from using preparations from wormwood, chamomile, calendula, coltsfoot, succession, elecampane, yarrow, tansy, dandelion.

One of the manifestations of cross-allergy can be oral allergic syndrome – the appearance of swelling, tingling and itching in the gums, tongue, lips when eating the above herbal products.

Treatment of weed allergy

The only treatment that addresses the cause of diseases associated with IgE-mediated allergy and can prevent their further development is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the use of small doses of the allergen that causes the reaction to treat a patient. Allergens in ASIT preparations are prepared in a special way. The introduction of drugs is carried out according to the scheme, with a gradual increase in the concentration of the allergen. The task of ASIT is specific hyposensitization – a gradual decrease in the patient’s sensitivity to the natural exposure of an allergen (or a group of allergens) in the environment.

ASIT allows:

Reduce the severity of clinical manifestations, reduce the dose of antihistamines or completely abandon antiallergic treatment

Reduce the severity of clinical manifestations, reduce the dose of antihistamines or completely abandon antiallergic treatment

Provide long-term remission

Reduce the risk of developing hypersensitivity to other allergens, prevent the expansion of the allergic spectrum

Will ASIT be effective?

The development of an allergic reaction is determined by individual proteins in the composition of the allergen source – allergocomponents. Sensitization to different molecular allergens of weed pollen is associated with different clinical manifestations and requires different approaches to treatment. Before starting ASIT, it is necessary to use molecular allergy diagnostics to determine the true sensitization and confirm the diagnosis.

Ragweed, originally from North America, is now widespread in Europe. Since ragweed and sagebrush have nearly the same flowering time, cross-reactivity between the two can be an important consideration for patients with weed allergy. Amb a 1 ragweed is a specific allergen marker to distinguish between true ragweed sensitization and cross-reactivity.

Artemisia pollen is one of the main causes of allergic reactions in Europe. Botanical relationships and cross-reactivity with other plants, such as ragweed, may cause the patient to experience symptoms in other geographic regions. Art v1 of mugwort is a specific allergy marker suitable for distinguishing between true mugwort sensitization and cross-reactivity.

Art v 3 is a lipid transfer protein (LTP) in mugwort pollen that is cross-reactive with related plant food proteins. Patients with food allergies sensitized to LTP may experience systemic and severe reactions. The Art v 3 component helps to better understand the sensitization profile in patients with pollen allergy.

Diagnosis of allergic diseases using ImmunoCAP technology is characterized by high accuracy and specificity, which is achieved by detecting low concentrations of IgE antibodies in a very small amount of the patient’s blood.

An allergist-immunologist will prescribe ASIT if the participation of IgE-dependent mechanisms in the development of an allergic disease is confirmed. ASIT affects the immune system by stimulating the production of specific immunoglobulins of another class – IgG. With their help, a chain reaction is launched: the allergen is blocked when it enters the body, and the severity of the reaction upon contact with the allergen gradually decreases.

Based on your test results, your doctor will be able to recommend the most appropriate allergen-specific immunotherapy for you.