Pollen sensitization pattern in patients with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome from Southern Romania

摘要

Southern Romania is a region having temperate-continental climate of a transitional type, specific to Central Europe, with local differences which affect exposure to aero-allergens, especially pollens. Evaluating 596 enrolled patients with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS), indoor allergen sensitization was significant for house dust mites (49.83%) and cat dander (17.79%). The rate of sensitization to Poaceae pollens was particularly high (47.82%), while skin prick tests with Asteraceae weed pollen extracts were positive in 14.77% of cases for mugwort and 13.93% for ragweed. Spring tree pollens involvement was relatively rare (Betulaceae, 11.58%; Fraxinus excelsior, 2.01%). Regarding comorbidities, allergic conjunctivitis was frequently associated to respiratory allergy, and pollen-food syndrome was an important finding.