The WHO warned that by 2050, half of the world's population will suffer from a type of allergy

There is a local and international consensus on the huge increase in allergic diseases in recent decades. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, about half of the world's population will suffer from at least one allergic disease.. At Durand Hospital, the percentage of consultations has increased in almost a few years, by almost 100%, and already reaches nearly 8,000 consultations per year.

Allergies are mechanisms of the body's exaggerated immune response (hypersensitivity) to different environmental allergens, foods, drugs, etc. Depending on the type of allergy, different diagnostic tests are performed. In the serum, one measures the antibody (Immunoglobulin E), which is the most important marker of allergy levels of the person. There are also other key complementary studies, such as various skin tests (PRICK test, intradermoreactions, patch-tests) and oral challenge tests used in particular for foods or drugs.

The field of action of the city does not escape the global trend of an increase in the incidence of respiratory and dermatological allergies. As chronic diseases, the symptoms of allergic rhinosinusitis are clearly predominant and, to a lesser extent, asthma and dermatitis (eczema and urticaria). About 40% of the urban population has symptoms of rhinitis at some point and about 15% have a history of asthma or have already suffered from it.

In the early autumn, it is inevitable to talk about worsening respiratory symptoms usually present in allergic patients. At this time, many viruses circulate and overlap with catarrhs ​​and known allergic rhinitis, which generate a marked deterioration of these images. In addition, sudden changes in temperature and humidity are aggravating climatic factors.

Allergic rhinitis often badociated with sinusitis, is very common given the connection of the entire upper and lower respiratory tract, asthma episodes are also more common. In autumn and winter, bronchospasm is aggravated by viral catarrhs. The same is true for cough, a very common symptom, and both symptoms may be facilitated by an allergic cause. In autumn and spring, and to a lesser extent in winter, dust mite allergies are widespread. During this period, mushroom spore allergens increase especially in urban areas.

When the fall begins, we close the doors and windows and the air goes through ventilation and air conditioning pipes.. When the temperature and humidity are not sufficiently regulated, condensation is formed inside the ducts, which serves as a reservoir for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Even in the absence of air conditioning, the mere fact of closing the windows provides in the interior of the house the conditions conducive to the proliferation of mites, which require temperate temperatures and a certain degree of humidity .

Sometimes the symptoms of an allergy are usually mistaken for a cold; Whenever there is a fever, we suspect a viral picture. Typical symptoms of allergy are nasal pruritus, eyes and sneezes and, in colds, intense nasal congestion and thick mucus.. However, they can be present indistinctly in both tables.

There may be people who do not suffer from allergy, but anyway there are individuals who have a genetic (non-dominant) allergic tendency and do not express it. This is why symptoms can be triggered virtually any time of life.

In addition, to treat an allergy, in addition to taking antihistamines, a correct diagnosis must be established to establish specific treatments and prevention strategies. In the full biological context, it is necessary to adapt the healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, control of environmental exposure to allergens, management of chronic stress, treatment of hormonal dysfunctions, etc.

Age is one of the factors likely to cause allergies. During childhood, allergic reactions seem clearer because of the genetic basis of predisposition. Children tend to develop respiratory and skin problems that can be stabilized with development, and of course with appropriate treatments. But it must be borne in mind that any condition of adult life, including the diminution of defenses or other symptoms, causes or causes an allergic phenomenon.

The hospitals of Buenos Aires belonging to the network of allergies and asthma are: Álvarez, Argerich, Durand, Elizalde, Fernández, Gutiérrez, Penna, Piñero, Pirovano, Ramos Mejía, Rivadavia and Santojanni.