In Romania, one in four adults suffers from some form of allergy. Allergic rhinitis is also common among children, and untreated can lead to complications. The symptoms of allergies, which are similar to those of a cold, can mislead us, however.
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Spring brings not only blooming flowers and gentle sunshine, but also pollen particles that can trigger allergic reactions in the eyes. In the context, doctors are sounding the alarm amid the increase in the number of patients arriving at the hospital with such allergies. Although eye allergies can be encountered at any time of the year, they seem to reach alarming heights this time of year when the flora resumes its blooming cycle.
Every day, one third of the patients who come to the Ophthalmology Clinic of the “Sf. Spiridon” from Iași presents the symptoms of such allergies: red eyelids and eyes, foreign body sensation and itching at eye level.
“Naturally we are happy that it is beautiful outside, that the trees have blossomed, but we have to be careful. Important: we take an antihistamine, for those who know they have such problems. When changes occur in the eye level, it is good to come urgently for a check-up, especially if they have not had any other event until then. The tendency, unfortunately, is to go to the pharmacy and get drops, which sometimes are not very good“, explains the university professor. Dr. Camelia Bogdănici, head of the Ophthalmology Clinic at the “St. Spiridon” from Iasi.
Specialists say that pollen allergy is the most common allergic disease.
“Pollen allergy manifests itself this way, more often, as a rhinitis: through sneezing, usually in bursts, through itching in the nose. Its prevalence varies in different countries. It is said to range from 5% in underdeveloped countries to 20-30 percent of the population in economically developed countries”, explains allergist Diana Deleanu, president of the Society of Allergology.
Symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, coughing or stuffy nose, are similar to those of a cold. It is important, however, to make the difference, to avoid complications.
Allergies can be detected using skin tests or blood tests. The number of people suffering from an allergy is increasing, especially among children. Globally, up to 30% of the population suffers from a respiratory allergy.
People with allergies have a few solutions, doctors say. The first – avoiding the allergen, which is impossible in the case of pollen, the second – drug treatment and the third option, which is also the most effective, refers to allergen immunotherapy. The last treatment is, in fact, the periodic injection of a small amount of allergen, which helps us develop tolerance and get rid of the allergy.
