Vocational School of Justice
ALLERGY SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
The allergy season is knocking on our door with the arrival of the spring. The experts state that environmental allergens such as pollens, pet dander, foods, heat, moisture, wind, and pressure, and global climate change have an influence on allergy, which causes symptoms such as itchiness, sneeze, runny or stuffy nose, cough, or itchy throat. The experts point out to the increase in the prevalence of allergies lately, which, based on World Health Organization statistics, affects more than 20% of the world’s population.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Ersil Soysal, Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), stated that an allergy was a heightened sensitivity to a foreign substance, called an allergen (entered through respiration, food, and medicine) that causes the body's defense system (the immune system) to overreact when defending itself. She warned about consuming citrus fruits, shellfish, tomatoes, strawberries, eggs, potatoes, vinegar and all convenience foods carefully as they might trigger allergic diseases. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soysal said, “The increase of allergens also increases the prevalence of allergic diseases. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath is the most common symptoms that occur at nighttime. Individuals with allergies and allergic diseases in their family are more prone to developing asthma. Even though allergic asthma can be seen in any age group, it is more common for people under the age of 40 to experience 75-90% of the symptoms. Breathing smoke, dust, fumes; pollens, perfumes, irritant gases, pet dander, and mold are the common triggers of allergic asthma”.
Soysal, who recommended using protective products such as gloves, masks, sunglasses, said, “If the allergen is in the form of a gas, make sure to air out the room, house regularly. Remove all kinds of carpets and furniture that may cause dust. It is also important for employees to go through periodical checks as they enter workplaces.”