Allergic Disease Rates Increased from 3% to 15% in the Last 20 Years

Studies show that by 2050, one out of every two people will have an allergic nature. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hülya Ercan Sarıçoban pointed out that allergy diseases, which were seen at a rate of 3-5% about 20 years ago, have increased to a rate of 10-15% by showing an increase of 2-3 times today.

Along with spring, allergies, which are one of the most frequently talked about issues, are becoming more and more important every day. Research shows that almost all allergic diseases have increased significantly in recent years. Reminding that environmental factors and industrialization are of great importance at this point, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hülya Ercan Sarıçoban: “We know that it has a very serious effect on the emergence of respiratory allergies. With the use of exhaust fumes, increased air pollution, processed, packaged foods, microplastics, nanoparticles, as well as detergents that are increasing in use, especially in the current period, many chemicals and allergic reactions increase with their inhalation.”

Global Warming Prolonged the Pollination Period

Stating that allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever and related to the pollens in the air, is observed during spring when plants release their pollens, Prof. Dr. Hülya Ercan Sarıçoban continued as follows: “The earlier arrival of warmer weather due to the global warming and longer seasons have increased the exposure to pollens. Pollenization starts in the middle of March, while we expect it to begin in the middle of April, and it takes a longer time. Thus, we encounter more of the same allergens and pollens”.

Respiratory Allergies Increase as Time Spent at Home Increases

Pointing out that as time spent at home increased, respiratory allergies are also triggered, Prof. Dr. Hülya Ercan Sarıçoban continued as follows: “While food allergies are more commonly observed before 2 years of age, respiratory allergies also begin to manifest themselves after 2 years. Among the allergens that may affect a person by air, there are home dust mites, mold, animal dander, saliva and hair, weeds, grass and tree pollens. A longer stay at home causes increased exposure to home allergens, house dust mites, mold fungi and animal hair. For this reason, it is important to take the necessary precautions, especially when staying at home. In addition, detergents used in household cleaning and washing machines as well as dishwashers, perfumes used in the home-room fragrances and cigarette smoke also contribute to the appearance of respiratory allergies.

Not all Allergies Manifest the Same Symptoms

Since different organs and systems are affected to different degrees in an allergic reaction, the symptoms of allergic diseases can occur in many different ways. Emphasizing that respiratory allergies reduce the child's quality of life Prof. Dr. Hülya Ercan Sarıçoban stated the following: “With allergic colds, nasal itching, sneezing that occurs 10-15 times in a row, runny nose, then nasal congestion, difficult breathing, sleeping with open mouth, sleeping with open mouth and increased snoring at night with nasal obstruction, itching, watering and redness in eyes, shortness of breath, unresolved cough and wheezing are among the complaints we often encounter. If not treated well, we encounter situations that disrupt the quality of life such as recurrent ear infections and hearing loss for young children, recurrence of sinusitis for older children and adults, and recurrent need of antibiotic use."

Precautions to be Taken in Allergies

Stating that “It is necessary to know the causes of allergies, take the necessary precautions and use preventive medicine if necessary”, Prof. Dr. Hülya Ercan Sarıçoban added the following: “It is vital to stop using antibiotics unnecessarily and children should have a diet of vegetables and fruit, instead of fast-food. Food that are processed, packaged, dyed and infused with stabilisers should be avoided. Children should not be taken to areas such as daycare senters and shopping malls, where they can easily contract allergens and infections, at an easly age. Vitamins and herbal medicine cannot protect a child with a weak immune system. Washing hands with soap and water is enough. Hand disinfectants should be avoided and even if they are used, they should be washed away. It is also vital to avoid strong chemical solvents, bleach and dishwasher detergents in household cleaning and use the lower-strength ones in lower amounts, followed by an additional process of washing away the detergents. Cigarette smoke and dirty air also increase the respiratory allergies greatly. Even if a cigarette is smoked at the balcony, it still affects a child’s lungs. Besides, microplastics also trigger allergies if they enter the body, so food including microplastics, as well as plastic cooking and storage bags should be avoided. In short, we should remember what our grandmothers did at home before 1960’s, what they ate, drank and how they cleaned a house. It is also important to reduce the amount of household allergens. If there is an allergy against household mites and dust, beds, quilts and pillows made of wool and feathers should be avoided as well as woolen carpets and thick curtains. In addition, washing the bedclothes once a week over 60 degrees Celcius, keeping the in-house moisture level between 30-50% and avoiding pets with hair would also be helpful. Against pollens, keeping the windows closed from the morning until noon and using a cap and glasses when going out, showering when arriving at home and avoiding picnic areas where pollens will be dense will reduce the complaints."