Keywords
pollen
Alternaria alternata
epidemiology
Prick-test
How to Cite
Abstract
Exposure to pollen and fungal spores constitutes a critical environmental determinant in the pathophysiology of allergic respiratory diseases, the prevalence of which has been increasing in urban environments characterised by ecological conditions favourable to the dispersal of allergenic species. In this context, this study aimed to characterize, from a clinical and epidemiological point of view, the population of Bragança with suspected allergies to pollen grains and Alternaria alternata. This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, based on the analysis of 100 clinical histories, with data obtained through structured questionnaires and prick-tests with thirteen allergenic extracts: twelve pollen and one specific to Alternaria alternata. The majority of the sample was female (53 %), with an average age of 23.9 ± 15.3 years, predominantly living in urban areas (86 %). 42% owned pets, 37 % were exposed to smoking and 19 % lived in houses with carpeting. The most frequent symptoms were allergic rhinitis (99 %), rhinoconjunctivitis (97 %), eczema (45 %) and wheezing (44 %). Polysensitization was observed in 97 % of participants, with sensitizations predominantly directed at wild grass mixtures (96 %), cultivated grasses (82 %), Olea europaea L. (80 %), herb mixtures (78 %), Plantago lanceolata L. (75 %) and Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. (8 %). This evidence suggests that there is a pattern of sensitization compatible with respiratory allergies in the population of Bragança.
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