Characterization of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis to Ragweed Pollen in Two Distinct Regions of Romania

Abstract

Background and objectives: Ragweed pollen is a major source of allergen, which has rarely been observed in Romania until now. In this study, we evaluated the symptoms and associated factors in patients with allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen in two distinct regions of Romania. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the records of patients newly diagnosed with allergic rhinitis induced by ragweed pollen in two allergological centers from North-West (NW) and Central parts of Romania between 2013 and 2015. The patients were clinically evaluated regarding disease length, presence, and severity of the allergic rhinitis symptoms and the association with other allergic manifestations (asthma and conjunctivitis). Results: The sensitization to ragweed was significantly higher in the NW part compared to the Central part (18.27% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001). More patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen were observed in the NE center (27%) compared to the Central one (20.7%). Patients with monosensitization to ragweed pollen presented more severe forms of rhinitis (70% vs 31.5%, p = 0.02) in the NW part compared to polysensitized patients. The total symptoms score was significantly higher in patients from the Central part compared to the NW part (9.21 ± 2.01 vs 5.76 ±1.96, p < 0.001). Bronchial asthma was associated at a similar frequency to allergic rhinitis in both centers, but it was more frequently observed in monosensitized patients in the NW center. Allergic conjunctivitis was more frequently reported by patients from the Central part (75.86 vs 41.9, p = 0.02), while in the NW region it was noticed more commonly in monosensitized patients (65% vs 33.33, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis to ragweed pollen has been more frequently reported in the NW part of Romania. Patients with severe forms of rhinitis were observed in the central part, while in the NW the severe forms of disease were reported by patients with monosensitization. Ragweed pollen is intensely allergogenic and determines association of ocular and asthma symptoms. Co-sensitization increases the risk of asthma association.

Expression and clinical significance of VCAM-1, IL-6, and IL-17A in patients with allergic rhinitis

“…Some scholars believe that allergic inflammation is not limited to the site where it initially occurs, and can be secondary to non-allergic reactions throughout the body (11). A number of reports have indicated that if not treated in time, allergic rhinitis can be complicated with asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, and other diseases (12)(13)(14).…”

Biologic Pollution Due to Ambrosia (Ragweed) Pollen in Urban Environment of Bucharest

“…The number of patients addressed to our center almost doubled from one year to another. Another recent study comparing clinical data of patients allergic to ragweed pollen from two other big Romanian cities, confirms the increasing number of affected persons from many of the country’s regions [ 39 ].…”

Ragweed sensitization in Egyptian children with bronchial asthma

“…3 On the other hand, many investigators noticed association between ragweed sensitization and the recurrence of flare ups of AR and BA in adults and elderly 19,20,21 and the response to conventional therapy was limited. 22,23 In conclusion, ragweed sensitization seems common among school-age Egyptian children with bronchial asthma. However, sensitization with ragweed did not seem to increase the risk of flare ups or severity of asthma or to influence the choice of therapeutic modalities.…”