With
the scientific term allergy we intend an abnormal reaction of our organism
towards exogenous nature goads ( allergens ) that do not indulge to any reaction
in normal people.
The
allergic patient represents an exalted and protract synthesis during a period of
time of Class E immunoglobuline, that are antibodies responsible of allergic
syndromes, responding to a stimulation of its owh immune –system.
The
principal allergys in Mediterranean area are represented by respiratory allergy
( conjunctivitis, rhinitis and asthma ).
In
the determinism of such allergys perennial allergens ( house dust mite,
environment fungi, and dog and cat epithelium ), and seasonal allergens are
implicated as far as pollen regards, they vary depending on the kind of
vegetation and climatic conditions present in different
places. Through the elaboration of pollen calendars it’s possible to
know which pollinic species are present in each region.
The
most diffused pollinic species in Europe is represented by grass pollen,
infesting weeds present everywhere; in Northern Europe Birch is the most
frequent pollinic species present; instead in Mediterranean regions, due to mild
winters and dry summers, Urticacee (Parietaria Judaica ), Olea ( Olea européa
), Grass Pollen, Cupressus (Cypress, Thuja, Juniperus ) are the major pollinic
species present.
In Spain, besides the above mentioned there is also Chenopodium-Amarantacee ( Amaranthus, Salsola Kalj ). In France, like in Northern Italy, Austria and Hungary we assist to an increasement of Ambrosia pollen allergy ( the most common allergy in America ), this is due to the much more frequent cultural exchange and also for the plants imported for parks.
For
what concerns respiratory pathology therapy it can be sub-divided into two types:
symptomatic and curative.
The
symptomatic therapy comprehend medicine capable to neutralize allergy symptoms:
beta-2 adrenergic agents, steroids, anticholinergic agents; medicine addressed
to neutralize the negative effects of infiammation mediator like antihistamines
and antileokotrienes.
The
curative therapy is given by substances that are able to modify the basical
mechanism of allergic reactions like immunotherapy
The
only therapy able to modify the natural course of allergic reactions is
immunotherapy, it prevents that allergic rhinitis evolves to asthma.
Remembering
that antihistamines assumption must be always guided by medical prescription due
to its side-effects as: sedateness and throat dryness, dysury by prostatic
congestion ( side-effects reduced by the latest antihistamines ).
Antihistamines
that give less side-effects are loratadine and fexofenadine, the only ones used
by air-line pilots and flight controllers admitted by USA federal aviation.
The
future prospective of therapy is represented by Anti-IgE , that have given very
good results with allergic asthma and rhinitis; dealing with like human
monoclonal mouse antibody that links with IgE globulins, and by DNA vaccines
that represents a sort of inside vaccination to the immunitary system.
To
signalize, furthermore, the next coming out in commerce of two new
antihistamines molecules , the desloratadine and the levocetirizine.
As
far as preventive therapy concerns, we can follow the next advice for the
environmental perennial allergys:
-Remove
all dust repository from bedroom ( tapestry, carpet, rugs, toys, plush, books,
magasizes, etc;
-Use
allergen-impermeable mattress and special pillow covers;
-Do
not use latex mattress and pillow because it is a very high allergic source;
-Change
frequently bedroom sheets;
-While
cleaning use special electrostatic dust clothes and vacumcleaners with high Hepa
filters;
-Remove
animals from the bedroom;
-Use
acaricides to reduce house dust mite population;
-Control
environment humidity , to reduce humidity it should be sufficient a good
ventilation
or where it is not possible place a dehumidificator .
As
far as pollen allergy concerns you should conform the following advises:
-Avoid
in springtime all places with birch, hazel and poplar trees: in summertime avoid
cultivated
meadows and fields in
late summertime avoid uncultivated lands;
-Take
care to go on holidays during the right period of plants pollination for you;
-For
holydays prefer sea or mountain areas;
-Sleep
with closed windows or you can open the windows only from 10,00 P.M. to 4.00
A..M. ;
-While
in car use Hepa air-conditioner filters or keep windows closed;
-Do
not trim grass while illness or don’t stand near while others are trimming
grass;
-Practise
sports in close areas like a gymnasium, covered swimming pools.
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