scholarly journals The Patient's Hay-fever diary: users feedback can improve pollen information

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Simčič ◽  
Andreja Kofol Seliger ◽  
Tom Koritnik ◽  
Tanja Cegnar
Keyword(s):  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Birch Pollen ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Hay Fever ◽  
The Public ◽  
Grass Pollen Season ◽  
Pollen Types ◽  
Preventive Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

<p><em>Background: </em>Pollen information is crucial for effective preventive behaviour of pollen allergy sufferers. In addition to the results of pollen monitoring and weather conditions, feedback from allergic people plays an important role in generating information for the public. A useful tool that gives us an insight into the burden of pollen allergy is the patient’s hay fever diary (PHD), developed by the Vienna Medical University. PHD is freely available online, users enter their location, general well-being, pollen symptoms and medication use.</p><p><em>Methods: </em>This study is based on two databases: 1- PHD data for symptom load index (SLI) calculations, only daily entries from Slovenia were used; 2- National pollen database for three measuring stations: Ljubljana, Maribor and Izola. A five-year period (2014-2018) was analysed. We reviewed the number of monthly entries as an indicator of the time span when most people need pollen information. The focus was on three high allergenic pollen types; birch (Betula), grass (Poaceae) and ragweed (Ambrosia). Annual pollen load (APL) allows us to compare results between years.</p><p><em>Results:</em> 60 % of yearly entries were recorded from March to May, when users reported the most problems with pollen-induced symptoms. In parallel the monthly pollen totals were high. Birch pollen season typically occurs from late March to end of April with May marked by grass pollen season. The highest SLI values were calculated for birch pollen (4,79 – 7,68), with the maximum in the year 2016 when the highest APL was also recorded. SLI for grass pollen season varied from 3,92 to 4,80 and is mostly lower than SLI for birch. SLI slowly decreased after May and rose again in August and September, when ragweed pollen occurs. Results for this non-native species show that SLI was increasing from 2,48 (2014) to 4,55 (2018).</p><p><em>Conclusion:</em> Pollen information is most sought after in the spring, when the highest daily concentrations are recorded. Birch pollen seems to have the highest impact on allergy sufferers, followed by grasses. In the case of ragweed we have noticed that the impact on health was increasing during the analyzed period. A comparison of the calculated SLI with the level of exposure to different pollen types may explain the fluctuations in the occurrence of allergic disease during the course of pollen seasons. Preventive behaviour of allergic persons is only possible with quick and accurate pollen information. Therefore, we started releasing preliminary results with a three-color scale to keep the public informed about the current state of allergens in the atmosphere.  </p>

scholarly journals Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl-Christian Bergmann ◽  
Sebastian Kugler ◽  
Torsten Zuberbier ◽  
Sylvia Becker
Keyword(s):  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis ◽  
Exposure Chamber ◽  
The Public ◽  
Grass Pollen Season ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Pollen Exposure

Summary Background Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the population in Germany has been asked to wear face masks in public areas. The masks are accepted by the public. People with a pollen allergy have an interest in knowing whether masks can also provide protection against pollen and thus prevent symptoms even without medication. Method In order to evaluate the potential ‘antipollen effect’ of face masks, 14 adults with confirmed grass pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were exposed to grass pollen for a period of two hours following a standardised protocol. The test was conducted outside of the grass pollen season. The subjects wore either no mask, a medical mask or a FFP2 mask. Results Subjects wearing either mask were clearly able to avoid both nasal and conjunctival symptoms. There were no significant differences between the two masks in terms of effect. Mask wearing to prevent pollen exposure clearly supports overall well-being. Conclusion Wearing a mask during pollen season can be recommended as an effective nondrug option for people with a pollen allergy.

scholarly journals Effects of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis on Driving Ability, Memory Functioning, Sustained Attention, and Quality of Life §

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique A.J. Mets ◽  
Edmund R. Volkerts ◽  
Erwin A. Dunnebier ◽  
Lieke M. de Senerpont Domis ◽  
Berend Olivier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Driving Ability ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Memory Functioning ◽  
Grass Pollen Season

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare driving ability, memory, and psychomotor performance during grass pollen season with winter season in untreated patients with SAR. Methods: Patients with SAR were trained and tested during the grass pollen season (summer) and winter. An on-the-road driving test during normal traffic conditions was performed. Primary parameter is the Standard Deviation of Lateral Position (SDLP), i.e. the weaving of the car. In addition, a word learning test and continuous performance test were performed and quality of life was assessed. Patients were included if in winter the Total 5-Symptoms Score (T5SS) was < 3 and in summer the T5SS was > 3. Results: 70 patients were recruited of which 22 started the study. Fifteen patients completed the study of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. These 11 patients had a mean T5SS of 6.8 in summer and 0.6 in winter. Patient reported a significantly reduced overall quality of life during grass pollen season (p<0.0001). No significant effects were found on the driving test, except a significant (but not relevant) decrease in mean speed during the grass pollen season (p<0.035). No significant effects were found on the word learning test and continuous performance test. Conclusion: Our data suggest that moderate SAR symptoms do not impair driving ability, memory functioning and continuous performance. However, given the small sample size future studies should confirm these findings.

Prediction of the start of the grass pollen season for the southern part of the Netherlands

Grana ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. N. B. M. Driessen ◽  
R. M. A. van Herpen ◽  
L. O. M. J. Smithuis
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Grass Pollen Season

scholarly journals Vaccinations, infections and antibacterials in the first grass pollen season of life and risk of later hayfever

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 512-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Bremner ◽  
I. M. Carey ◽  
S. DeWilde ◽  
N. Richards ◽  
W. C. Maier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Grass Pollen Season

LATE SUMMER/FALL GRASS POLLEN SEASON: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OVER A 6 YEAR PERIOD

2018 ◽  
Vol 121 (5) ◽  
pp. S25
Author(s):  
M. Goldstein ◽  
C. Freeman ◽  
N. Belecanech ◽  
L. Belecanech ◽  
D. Dvorin
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Grass Pollen Season

Inhibition of the seasonal IgE increase to Dactylis glomerata by daily sodium chloride nasal-sinus irrigation during the grass pollen season

1999 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
José L. Subiza ◽  
Javier Subiza ◽  
María C. Barjau ◽  
Rosa Rodríguez ◽  
María J. Gavilán
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata ◽  
Nasal Sinus ◽  
Grass Pollen Season

scholarly journals Pollen calendar of Lublin, 1995-2000

2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 529-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystyna Piotrowska
Keyword(s):  
Grass Pollen ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Gravimetric Method ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Pollen Calendar ◽  
Herbaceous Plants ◽  
Above Ground Level ◽  
Grass Pollen Season ◽  
Trees And Shrubs

The measurements of pollen fall were carried out in Lublin in 1995 - 2000 years by the gravimetric method. The modified Durham sampler was applied, located at 9 m above ground level. On the base of results 6 year observations - the pollen calendar for Lublin was prepared. The following 15 plant taxa were taken under consideration: <i>Alnus</i>, <i>Corylus</i>, Cupressaceae, <i>Populus</i>, <i>Fraxinus</i>, <i>Betula</i>, <i>Quercus</i>, Pinaceae, Poaceae, <i>Rumex</i>, <i>Plantago</i>, <i>Urtica</i>, Chenopodiaceae, <i>Artemisia</i> and <i>Ambrosia</i>. The anemophilous plants' pollen season in Lublin began in half of February and lasted till half of September. First appeared pollen grains of decidous tress' and shrubs, then the coniferous. High values of pollen fall of these plants were noted till the end of May. Start of grass pollen season was recorded from the half of May, and at the latter part of this month, also other herbaceous plants. The highest concentrations of pollen were found in April and May when trees and shrubs pollinated. The highest annual totals were marked for plants of the following taxa: <i>Betula</i>, Poaceae, Pinaceae, <i>Alnus</i>, <i>Urtica</i>.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document