Respiratory allergies caused by pollen as a factor of quality of life in the context of sustainable development programs

Abstract

World Health Organization statistics reveal respiratory allergy as a global health problem due to its increase in prevalence, impact on school performance and productivity at work, and the economic aspect (external costs) involved. In Romania is the most common is allergy to grass pollen. Grass pollen (Dactylis, Poa, Lolium, Halcus, Cynodon, Festuca, Alopecururs) occurs in early May and reaches a maximum between May 25 to June 10 and July 15 to 20. It is during this period that anemophyle (wind-borne) pollens increasing their alergizing ability especially if the climate is dry and hot. Rains, by driving pollen with water droplets and depositing it on the ground, lower their concentration in the atmosphere. Correlated with this phenomenon, the symptoms of graminea pollen allergies ameliorate in the rainy days, and vice versa. Paradoxically the disease incidence is higher in urban than in rural areas. But we must not ignore entomophyle (carried by insects) pollens which, although of less allergenic capacity, affect mainly florists and farmers. As a result of the surveys performed by us, we consider that preventive measures (which include all methods to prevent the patient to come into contact with symptoms-triggering allergens) should be reflected in agricultural policies and strategies for rural development programs involving extension of irrigated land areas planted with grass, screening programs for sensitivity to allergens for staff during the pollen great risks season, and the inclusion of those diagnosed with this disease in national treatment programs according to the protocols of ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and Impact on Asthma), via inter-ministerial collaboration.