Symbol of renewal and the return of sunny days, spring is also associated with the return of allergies! More than a quarter of the Tunisian population would be affected by the phenomenon of seasonal allergies and their troublesome symptoms.
Allergy, in general, is the result of an immune reaction and reflects a hypersensitivity of the body to elements present in the environment that are usually harmless, at least to others. In response to these allergens, immune cells release histamine, a molecule that triggers allergic reactions and generates inflammation.
In the case of seasonal allergy, also called pollen allergy, allergic rhinitis or hay fever, clinical manifestations are localized to the upper respiratory tract (primarily the nose and throat). Seasonal allergies are closely linked to flowering periods and to pollen production that remain suspended in the air. These are not the same throughout the year. Thus, from January to May tree pollens are the most widespread. Then come grass pollens (hay) from May to July, and finally herbaceous pollens (flowers, roadside grasses) from July to October. Note that, for several years now, the pollination period has lengthened due to global warming and pollution.
Symptoms of pollen allergy
Typical of a cold, the symptoms of seasonal allergy can sometimes be associated with:
- Ocular involvement of the conjunctival type. The eyes may also show swollen eyelids, persistent tearing and redness.
- Hay fever with clear and abundant nasal discharge, a congested nose and repeated sneezing.
- Asthma, with episodes of expiratory dyspnea and wheezing, due to inflammatory bronchial constriction.
These symptoms often appear from February to October.
Situation in Tunisia:
