Abstract

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the profiles of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and asthma patients annually in Antalya, a Mediterranean coastal city in Turkey.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated patients’ allergic clinical status, and recorded the climate and pollens in the city center air, investigating any correlation between pollination, climatic conditions and allergic disorders. The meteorological conditions and the pollen count/cm2 during every month of the year and the concordance of this with the patient’s clinical status were evaluated.

RESULTS: SPT positivity for plantago lanceolata, aspergillus fumigatus and d. pteronyssinus was significant in patients younger than 40 years old. Pollination levels are consistent from March 2010 to February 2011. In Antalya, high levels occur mostly from April to June, thus we performed skin prick tests mostly in May/June (~30%). During these months meteorological conditions of the city were windy with low humidity, without rain, and lukewarm temperatures, all of which contribute to high-risk conditions for seasonal allergies.

CONCLUSIONS: The major allergen between April and June was derived from Graminea; between February and March was Cupressus spp; and between March and June was Pinus spp. These results suggest that the pollination is correlated with allergic conditions and thus SPT might be best performed according to the pollen count.

Keywords: Pollen - immunology, Pinus - immunology, Mediterranean Region, Cupressus - immunology, Conjunctivitis, Allergic - immunology, Climate, Child, Asthma - immunology, Allergens - immunology, Age Distribution, Adolescent, pollination, Rain, Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal - immunology, Seasons, Skin Tests, Temperature, young adult