A study by the University of Cyprus School of Medicine reveals that one in five Cypriots suffers from allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.
\nOlive, grass and corn pollen are the most frequent triggers of seasonal allergies on the island, with ragweed pollen and the fungus Alternaria also playing a significant role.
\nThe research, led by allergist Dr Konstantinos Pitsios, surveyed a group of young Cypriots to \u201cmap the sensitisations to inhaled allergens in Cyprus\u201d and compare allergy rates to the rest of Europe.
\nAs spring approaches, many Cypriots are bracing for the onset of seasonal allergies, with symptoms peaking between mid-April and early July.
\nPitsios told philenews that respiratory allergies often appear in childhood, but can also develop in adults.
\n\u201cIn most cases, respiratory allergies are hereditary and linked to food allergies or atopic dermatitis,\u201d Pitsios explained, referring to a group of allergic conditions known as atopic diseases. Other allergies, he noted, are not hereditary and can be triggered by medications or insect stings.
\nThe Cypriot spring allergy season kicks off in March with the flowering of grasses, intensifying in mid-April as olive trees bloom. The duration of the pollen season is influenced by winter weather conditions. For example, a rainy winter typically leads to a longer flowering and pollen season.
\n\u201cHaving olive, grass, corn or ragweed allergies doesn\u2019t require exposure to these plants in your garden,\u201d Pitsios clarified. \u201cPollen travels vast distances and is carried by air. Even in Nicosia city centre, a special pollen trap can detect corn pollen. It\u2019s important to remember that pollen triggers respiratory allergies, so someone with allergic rhinitis doesn\u2019t need to avoid olives or corn on the cob.\u201d
\nHouse dust mites, another prevalent allergen in Cyprus, are microscopic insects found in all homes. While harmless to most, they can trigger severe allergic reactions, making it difficult for sufferers to spend time indoors.
\n\u201cAllergic rhinitis, though not life-threatening, can significantly impact the quality of life, travel plans, and social and professional activities,\u201d Pitsios cautioned. \u201cThose with allergic rhinitis should seek proper treatment. Doctors typically prescribe medications like antihistamines and steroid sprays, ensuring correct usage. Untreated allergic rhinitis can worsen over time, potentially developing into asthma, a much more serious condition.\u201d
\nWhile allergies are not preventable, Pitsios suggests a natural lifestyle, ideally close to nature, as the best approach for those with a hereditary predisposition.
\nFor pollen allergies, he recommends minimising unnecessary travel during windy periods and avoiding early morning ventilation when pollen counts are highest.
\nConversely, frequent house ventilation is beneficial for dust mite allergies, regardless of the time of day.
\nPitsios also advises those with dust mite allergies to avoid dust-collecting fabrics like thick carpets, heavy curtains, and decorative cushions.
\nRegular vacuuming, wiping furniture with damp cloths, and sunning sheets are all effective control measures. \u201cDust mites cannot survive in sunlight,\u201d he explained.
\nThe study emphasises the importance of early exposure to nature. \u201cChildren who spend time outdoors, playing with other children, or visiting grandparents tend to develop a stronger immune system,\u201d Pitsios said. \u201cWhile some modern parents might prefer to keep their children in a sterile environment, this doesn\u2019t offer any protection. Early exposure to microorganisms, even for those with a genetic predisposition to allergies, can lead to milder symptoms or prevent allergies altogether.\u201dallergic rhinitis. allergic rhinitis, pollen allergies, respiratory allergies<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One in five Cypriots suffers from allergic rhinitis, with olive, grass, corn pollen, ragweed pollen, and the fungus Alternaria being common triggers. Respiratory allergies are often hereditary and linked to other allergic conditions, but can also develop in adults. The spring allergy season in Cyprus starts in March and can be influenced by winter weather conditions. House dust mites are another prevalent allergen in Cyprus. Allergic rhinitis can impact quality of life, travel plans, and social activities, and untreated allergies can worsen over time. Pitsios recommends a natural lifestyle and proper treatment for those with allergies. Early exposure to nature can help strengthen the immune system and prevent allergies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":6893,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3258,5025,3139,3,946,1027,203,201,4382,210,2904,148,783,1193,406,5022,5026,4448,5027,720,433,1535,4860,3984,114,1182,4861,832,339,2401,440],"class_list":["post-6892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-other","tag-air","tag-allergic-rhinitis","tag-cypriots","tag-cyprus","tag-doctors","tag-dust","tag-environment","tag-europe","tag-food","tag-health","tag-insect","tag-local","tag-medicine","tag-nature","tag-nicosia","tag-pollen","tag-pollen-allergies","tag-protection","tag-respiratory-allergies","tag-rest","tag-school","tag-spring","tag-symptoms","tag-threatening","tag-top-news","tag-travel","tag-treatment","tag-university-of-cyprus","tag-weather","tag-weather-conditions","tag-winter"],"acf":{"keyphrase":"","keywords":"","sourceimg":"","country-category":""},"yoast_head":"\n