Why are allergies increasing? Allergies have been increasing in the last decades. The reason for the increase in allergic diseases, namely among the western population and with a fairly developed socio-economical level, is not yet clear, but several data seem to point to the environment and the “western” lifestyle. The reduction of infections in early childhood, due to a better control (vaccination, antibiotics) and better sanitary conditions, may “turn” the immune system, now less “occupied” with microbes and parasites, to the environmental allergens, which initially would be harmless for human beings. Besides, other conditions may be involved, for instance associated with a domestic environment increasingly hermetic (children spend 90% of their time indoors!) and certain fatty acids and food preservatives, and the use of antibiotics, which reduces the normal microbial flora. What are the most common allergies at this time of the year? The main pollinic season is Spring, the rhinoconjunctivitis being the most common pollen allergy manifestation and the most recognized by the population. Often, there is also exacerbation of bronchial asthma. In Spring, occurs the pollination peak of gramineous plants, parietaria and olive tree, which are the main causes of pollen allergy in Portugal. We must not forget, during Spring, the probability of insect stings (wasp, bee), which in individuals allergic to the poison of these insects may cause serious cases of allergy, and even fatal cases. Is the city worse for those who suffer from allergies? Does it help to keep the house aerated? City inhabitants are exposed to industrial and automobile pollution, namely in the Spring. The coexistence of pollens and pollutants leads to a higher impact of pollen allergies in the cities since pollutants turn pollens more allergenic and facilitate their access into the respiratory system. It is indisputable, that exposure to pollutants is a risk factor for the severity of allergic diseases, and it may determine more cases of allergy and aggravate the clinical condition of allergic patients. For pollen allergic patients, it is recommended: To avoid outdoor activities, including sports and walking in gardens, especially in the period of higher pollination, as it happens in the morning; At home, it is essential to keep the windows closed, particularly in hot and dry days, with strong wind, only being advisable to open the windows at the end of the day, when pollen concentrations are smaller; My child has asthma. Does he require special care? Care should be initiated with adequate medical follow-up, presently existing drugs that can control and prevent the exacerbations of bronchial asthma. Compliance with the therapeutic plan, avoidance of exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke and other pollutants, and avoidance of exposure to allergens that the child is sensitive to, are all important for the control of the asthmatic child. In the past, it was common thought that an asthmatic child should not practise sport. Today, we are aware that this notion must be demystified, since following an adequate medical plan to control the disease, the child can and should take part in sports or other physical activity, either in school physical education, leisure sports or high-performance sports. There are some non-pharmacological measures that have proven to be beneficial in the mitigation of complaints: Do warm-up exercises prior to the activity; Adopt preferably nasal breathing, which allows higher warming and humidification of the air; Avoid doing exercises in cold and dry environments; Avoid irritants, such as tobacco smoke and other pollutants. Some specific cares should be added for pollen allergic patients: Avoid (or at least reduce) the practise of sports outdoors, preferring enclosed spaces, in the periods of higher concentration of pollens in the air, being aware of the pollinic report; Avoid especially warm and windy days, where the pollinic concentrations are higher; avoid training in the morning, where the levels of pollen in the air are very high; avoid places with higher pollution, namely more road traffic. Children with asthma should be encouraged to practise sports, being recommended of all the measures that allow their full integration in individual and group activities, where it is fundamental to provide them with indications in order to prevent complaints during the practise of exercise. Most patients with asthma are allergic to house dust mites and/or pollens, therefore, care should be taken to avoid those allergens . Author : Luís Miguel Borrego Meet the allergology team from Hospital da Luz network . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
