– In the third wave of the pandemic, rhinitis as a symptom of COVID-19 occurs more often than in the previous two waves – allergologist Dr. Iwona Poziomkowska-Gęsicka told PAP. She also pointed out that allergy sufferers “should not refrain from wearing masks”.
COVID-19 symptoms: runny nose
According to the doctor, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can sometimes be confused with the first symptoms of a disease caused by the coronavirus. As she emphasized, in the third wave of the pandemic, rhinitis, commonly known as rhinitis, as a symptom of COVID-19 occurs more often than in the previous two waves.
Previously, a sharp loss of sense of smell and taste was an indication that this is COVID-19. Now it starts with rhinitis, cold-like symptoms, headache, inflammation of the sinuses, and after a few days there is a loss of smell and taste The allergist said. She advised not to ignore the symptoms that might seem like an allergic reaction or a cold.
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– Allergy sufferers have a moment of peace when it comes to pollination of trees – it is cooling down, it is snowing, hail, no sun. Currently, even poplar pollen is below the detection threshold. We are waiting for birch dusting – told PAP allergologist Dr. Iwona Poziomkowska-Gęsicka from the Szczecin provincial hospital.
- See also: What is dusting in April?
This year, she explained, the alder dust season began on February 23 – just over a week later than usual. On that day, in Szczecin and its vicinity, the concentration of alder pollen reached 300 grains per cubic meter. (the first symptoms in a patient allergic to alder pollen are the concentration of 80 grains per cubic meter). The doctor added that the next day the concentration was close to 1,2 thousand. grains per cubic meter Hazel pollen also had a high concentration at that time (for several days). The next day with a very high concentration was on March 3, when the cubic meter. there were 1780 alder grains.
– Last year we had very high levels of grass pollen, and tree pollen levels were lower. This year, so far, the values of alder pollen have been above average – said Dr. Poziomkowska-Gęsicka.
When asked about the possible impact of allergies on the course of COVID-19, the doctor indicated that how patients would react to the disease depends on the state of their immune system and is generally not associated with allergies. However, she noted that doctors observed a milder course of COVID-19 in patients with various manifestations of atopic disease, allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma, who were treated with local anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoids) for these diseases.
– I must say that we observe lung damage caused by the disease in a very small percentage of these patients – the allergist pointed out.
She added that the most common symptoms included coughing and shortness of breath, but did not develop interstitial pneumonia.
– Damage to the lungs of these patients (in the case of COVID-19 it is referred to, among others, the so-called cytokine storm) was much smaller than in patients who did not take inhaled medications, e.g. for asthma – said Dr. Poziomkowska-Gęsicka.
She pointed out that it cannot be assumed with certainty for the time being that it was caused by the use of inhaled drugs, although she noted that, according to reports, scientists from the University of Oxford suggest a beneficial effect of including inhalation steroids in the treatment of COVID-19 in the first symptoms of the disease. However, she emphasized that further studies involving larger groups of patients are necessary for their possible wider use.
Dr. Poziomkowska-Gęsicka also pointed out that allergy sufferers “should not refrain from wearing masks”.
– First of all, it’s an antiviral, antibacterial filter – but it also traps pollen. It is not true that allergy sufferers cannot wear masks; Surgical masks or those with filters (FFP3) do not generate greater breathing resistance, so even patients with difficult breathing, severe breathlessness can use them – she said.
- You can buy FFP2 masks at Medonet Market
Author: Elżbieta Bielecka / PAP
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