Allergy is a disease also called sensitization and hypersensitivity of the body. It arises as a result of an inadequate response of the immune system to a given factor called an allergen. In the case of birch allergy, the sensitizing factor is birch pollen. It is important to know that the ingredient that causes the allergy itself is not dangerous to the body. Symptoms are caused by an overly strong response of the body to contact with a given factor.
Who can get sick?
Almost anyone can get sick, although there are some genetic factors that predispose to the disease. Allergy is a very common disease. It is also called a civilization disease, and therefore it is associated with the growth of population and culture, especially the so-called west. About 30-40% of people are sick. the entire population, including pollinosis, i.e. allergy to pollen of grasses, flowers and trees, including birch, is most often diagnosed. It occurs in 20 percent. allergy sufferers
Birch allergy symptoms
All allergy sufferers can develop other symptoms. The most common are rhinitis, eye redness, conjunctivitis, runny nose or tearing. A very severe allergy symptom is anaphylactic shock, which, however, is more common in food allergies, and birch allergy is not such an allergy.
Pollinosis and allergy to birch
The most common effect of birch allergy is the development of pollinosis: a seasonal disease associated with allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis. In the course of this disease, symptoms typical of the gastrointestinal tract or skin may also appear. Patients who struggle with the disease are most often allergic to grain and grass pollen, and to a lesser extent to tree pollen, including birch pollen (about 35% of patients). Pollinosis most often occurs in people between 10 and 20 years of age, less often later.
Birch pollination in Poland
There are as many as seven different species of birch in Poland. The most common are warty, mossy and black birch. Birches pollen in the period from April to May. Most often, pollination begins in the second half of April. These dates may vary depending on weather and weather conditions, and the length of the winter preceding spring in a given year.
How to treat birch allergy?
First of all, you should make an appointment with an allergist who will thoroughly examine which factor causes allergic symptoms. The most necessary examination for the doctor is the interview with the patient itself, i.e. our belief that the symptoms of allergy, according to our experience and observation, are caused by birch pollen. Physical examination and skin tests as well as the assessment of IgE antibodies are relevant for the diagnosis.
First of all, avoid contact with the allergen. Avoid places with birch pollen, limit walks to the forest or park. The doctor will also prescribe antihistamines and other drugs, e.g. nasal decongestants. They are designed not so much to cure the patient as to alleviate the symptoms.