Phenological changes and probability of allergic symptoms to selected pneumoallergens in Rabka during 1991-1995

Jozef Gawel, Hanna Halota, Ryszard Kurzawa, Zbigniew Doniec, Krzysztof Pisiewicz

Institute for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Pediatric Division in Rabka, Poland

Published in: R. Spiewak (Editor): "Pollens and Pollinosis: Current Problems". Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Lublin (Poland) 1995, pages 47-48.

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Objective

The goal of the study was to evaluate level of the phenological changes in Rabka Health Resort during the years 1991-1995 as a help for allergologist, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation by significant reduction of aeroallergen exposure.

Material

The Burkard volumetric spore trap was used for collection pollens, which were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. In the paper 23 allergenic taxa, which appeared in great quantity were taken into account. Results were expressed in number of pollens and spores in cubic meter per day, month and year. Following classes of pneumoallergens concentrations according to probability of appearance of allergic symptoms were selected:

• low values - up to 10/m³/24 h pollens, and up to 50/m³/24h spores - not harmful,
• mean values - up to 30/m³/24 h pollens, and up to 100/m³/24h birch pollens or spores - possibility of allergic reaction,
• high levels - over 30/m³/24 h pollens, over 100/m³/24 h birch pollens, and up to 1000/m³/24h spores - possibility of allergic reaction in all patients,
• very high levels - over 1000/m³/24 h spores.

Results

Tree pollens, except for pine and spruce, appeared in low concentrations and did not cause allergic reactions. Overlapping period of medium and high levels of pine and spruce pollens with beginning period of intensive grass pollination (end of May - beginning of July) may be the cause of intensive allergic reactions. Weeds pollen concentrations, particularly of nettle, due to intensive pollination in July and August may be dangerous for allergic patients. During whole year spores, mainly of Cladosporium, appear in medium, high and very high concentrations. We have found that during 5 year observation pollen season started from January to March and lasted from 2 to 12 weeks for particular taxa, and even longer, up to few months for fungal spora. Variability of pollination, as to quantity and regularity, can be explained by changes in climate and vital cycles of flora in natural environment.

Conclusions

Presented calendar of palynological changes stresses necessity of individualisation of references to treatment according to diagnosed sensitisation to given allergens. In period of last 5 years we have found very low prevalence of highly allergenic pollens of trees and grasses in the total pollen count in Rabka. This finding supports long lasting tradition that Rabka is an appropriate health resort for treatment of allergic diseases.

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