First Spring Allergens How to Protect Yourself from Spring Allergies

First Spring Allergens How to Protect Yourself from Spring Allergies

Tired of snow, frost, short days, bulky warm coats and shoes? How we long for sunshine, warmth, leaves, flowers, scents — we long for spring!
But with spring come the first allergens. How many people suffer from allergies in the first months of spring?

Main Allergens of Spring:

In Ukraine:

  • Birch: Sensitization to birch pollen occurs in 34% of patients with hay fever.
  • Alder: Sensitivity to alder pollen has been found in 21.6% of patients with hay fever.
  • Hazel: Sensitization to hazel pollen is 19% among patients with hay fever.
  • Oak: Oak pollen may cause allergic reactions due to cross-reactivity with birch and alder pollen.

In Europe:

  • Birch: Allergy to birch pollen is one of the most common in Northern and Central Europe, sensitivity ranges from 8% to 16%.
  • Alder and Hazel: Important allergens, especially in regions where these trees are widespread.
  • Oak: Less common allergen, but it can cause symptoms in people with polysensitization to tree pollen.

Cross-Reactivity:

Pollen from these trees has high cross-reactivity. People allergic to birch pollen may also react to alder, hazel, and oak pollen, as well as certain fruits and vegetables due to similar protein structures.

Main Allergen:

  • Bet v 1 — the main allergen in birch, which has cross-reactivity with other trees and some fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Cross-Reactions:

Consuming trigger foods can lead to the following symptoms:
Fruits: apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, sour cherries, apricots.
Nuts: hazelnuts (hazel), almonds, walnuts.
Vegetables: carrots, celery, potatoes.
Soy-based products.

Symptoms:

  • Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) — itching and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat after consuming a triggering food.
  • Hay fever, conjunctivitis, asthma exacerbation.
  • In rare cases — anaphylaxis.

Diagnostics:

  • Skin tests or specific IgE (pollen allergen panel).
  • Molecular diagnostics — measuring the level of IgE to Bet v 1 to assess the risk of cross-reactions.

Treatment and Prevention:

Allergen elimination — avoiding pollen (masks, filters).
Antihistamines, corticosteroids, anti-swelling agents.
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) — the only method that can alter the course of the allergy.
Thermal treatment of products — reduces the allergenicity of fruits and vegetables.

How can you find out exactly what you’re allergic to?

Spring allergies can have many causes, and only precise diagnostics can help identify the specific allergen.
🔍 If you’re experiencing symptoms but don’t know what’s causing them — the modern molecular test ALEX 2 can help create your personal allergy profile.
👉 Learn more about the ALEX 2 test and the possibilities of precise allergy diagnostics via the link here

With Care for Your Health!

At “Moja Rodzina” clinic, we are always ready to help you deal with spring allergies and provide professional assistance.
Need a doctor’s consultation? Here are our contact details for appointments:
🌐 Website: www.klinikamojarodzina.pl
📞 Phone: +48 729 855 896
🏢 You can also book an appointment in person at the clinic.
📍 Address: ul. 29 listopada 18a/4, Warsaw

Don’t postpone your health — contact us today!

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