Seasonal allergies develop in hypersensitive individuals due to contact with pollen. This hypersensitivity causes the individual to be more sensitive to the effects of the allergen, which causes the allergic reaction.
The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis in central Russia occur during April and May when the birches are in flower (birch, alder, white beech, hazel). Symptoms of seasonal allergies appear at the same time yearly in the form of a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing attacks, a feeling of burning or itching in the nose and mouth, conjunctivitis (red eyes, a sensation of sand in the eyes, itching/burning), cough, and in serious cases, difficulty breathing. Sleep disorders, tiredness, and increased fatigability are frequently seen in addition to typical allergy symptoms.
A feature of birch pollen is that it is lighter than, for example, the pollen of coniferous trees; it has a non-sticky surface, which allows it to spread by wind over long distances. Even a small amount of pollen in the area can be enough to cause allergy symptoms.
An allergy to tree pollens may also provoke allergic reactions to certain foods. As a rule, these are certain fruits and berries which contain stones (apples, pears, etc.), and also nuts, olives, carrots, greens, spices, and others. Because of similarities in the structures of allergens of these foods with the birch allergen "betv1" the immune system reacts to not only pollen, but to similar molecules contained in food.
Diagnosing seasonal allergies is done by assessing the clinical picture of the condition and conducting special tests. This includes a special blood test for specific IgE and skin allergen tests.
The treatment of seasonal allergies during a flare is symptomatic and includes: Antihistamines, local anti-allergy treatments, systemic anti-inflammatories (injections or drips in serious situations), inhalations for episodes of asthma, etc. It is important to start treatment as early as possible without waiting for the allergy to become severe.
During the remission period (autumn and winter), patients with birch pollen allergies can be offered specific treatments, which are directed towards the cause of the condition. ASIT, allergen specific immune therapy, is the only method available currently for the pathogenic treatment of seasonal allergies. ASIT consists of sequentially introducing specific doses of an allergen into the body. As a result, resistance to the allergen develops. ASIT can reduce or even completely stop allergy symptoms, helping to avoid subsequent sensitization and prevents rhinitis from turning into asthma.
Allergists at EMC offer modern methods of treatment for seasonal allergies, which are in accordance with European and International medical protocols, in particular sublingually administering ASIT as an alternative to the classical shoulder injections. This saves time for the patient (treatment takes place at home with periodic observation by the treating physician), it is a safe way of introducing the treatment, and according to numerous studies, and this method is not inferior to subcutaneous injections in efficacy and end result.
The European Medical Center conducts all types of diagnostics and testing for seasonal allergies, in remission or in flare, with the goal of preparing for the next allergy season.