The appearance of pollen in the lower airways

Dankaart, W.; Smithuis, L. O. M. J.; Blaauw, P.J.; Spieksma, F. Th. M.

doi:10.1080/00173139109427782

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Although it is plausible that, in spite of aerodynamic principles, a small number of pollen grains may penetrate into the lower respiratory tract (136)(137)(138), particularly by mouth breathing (138), there is now strong evidence of the atmospheric presence of pollen-allergen-carrying particles of sizes much smaller than intact pollen grains (139)(140)(141).…”

Section: Secondary Allergen Carriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pollen‐related allergy in Europe*

D’Amato

Spieksma

Liccardi

et al. 1998

Allergy

331

213

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The increasing mobility of Europeans for business and leisure has led to a need for reliable information about exposure to seasonal airborne allergens during travel abroad. Over the last 10 years or so, aeropalynologic and allergologic studies have progressed to meet this need, and extensive international networks now provide regular pollen and hay-fever forecasts. Europe is a geographically complex continent with a widely diverse climate and a wide spectrum of vegetation. Consequently, pollen calendars differ from one area to another; however, on the whole, pollination starts in spring and ends in autumn. Grass pollen is by far the most frequent cause of pollinosis in Europe. In northern Europe, pollen from species of the family Betulaceae is a major cause of the disorder. In contrast, the mild winters and dry summers of Mediterranean areas favor the production of pollen types that are rarely found in central and northern areas of the continent (e.g., the genera Parietaria, Olea, and Cupressus). Clinical and aerobiologic studies show that the pollen map of Europe is changing also as a result of cultural factors (e.g., importation of plants for urban parklands) and greater international travel (e.g., the expansion of the ragweed genus Ambrosia in France, northern Italy, Austria, and Hungary). Studies on allergen-carrying paucimicronic or submicronic airborne particles, which penetrate deep into the lung, are having a relevant impact on our understanding of pollinosis and its distribution throughout Europe.

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Section: Secondary Allergen Carriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pollen‐related allergy in Europe*

D’Amato

Spieksma

Liccardi

et al. 1998

Allergy

331

213

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“…Most inhaled particles of Ͼ10 m (most pollens and some larger spores) are deposited in the nasopharynx and are associated with nasal and/or ocular symptoms generally referred to as hay fever (118). Conversely, particles of Ͻ10 m, especially those of Ͻ5 m, can penetrate the lower airways, where allergic reactions tend to manifest as asthma (40,146). Fungal spores differ in size and are associated with both upper and lower respiratory symptoms.…”

Section: Fungi As Aeroallergensmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal allergens

et al. 1995

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Airborne fungal spores occur widely and often in far greater concentrations than pollen grains. Immunoglobulin E-specific antigens (allergens) on airborne fungal spores induce type I hypersensitivity (allergic) respiratory reactions in sensitized atopic subjects, causing rhinitis and/or asthma. The prevalence of respiratory allergy to fungi is imprecisely known but is estimated at 20 to 30% of atopic (allergy-predisposed) individuals or up to 6% of the general population. Diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergy to fungi require well-characterized or standardized extracts that contain the relevant allergen(s) of the appropriate fungus. Production of standardized extracts is difficult since fungal extracts are complex mixtures and a variety of fungi are allergenic. Thus, the currently available extracts are largely nonstandardized, even uncharacterized, crude extracts. Recent significant progress in isolating and characterizing relevant fungal allergens is summarized in the present review. Particularly, some allergens from the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium are now thoroughly characterized, and allergens from several other genera, including some basidiomycetes, have also been purified. The availability of these extracts will facilitate definitive studies of fungal allergy prevalence and immunotherapy efficacy as well as enhance both the diagnosis and therapy of fungal allergy.

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“…Different reasons are given to explain the causes of its scarce or null allergenicity: the large size of its pollen grains, which inhibits its penetration of the respiratory tract (Armentia et al 1990), its low protein content (Cornford et al 1990) or its hydrophobic nature due to its high lipid content (Harris and German 1985). However, pine pollen has been found in the respiratory tract: Dankaart et al (1991) highlighted its presence in the lower respiratory tract and Accorsi et al (1991) identified pine pollen in nasal and conjunctival secretions and, to a lesser degree, in the bronchi.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Pinus pollen in the atmosphere of Vigo and its relationship to meteorological factors

Jato¹,

Rodríguez²,

Seijo³

2000

International Journal of Biometeorology

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The Pinus genus has an elevated pollen production and an anemophilous nature. Although considered to be hypoallergenic, numerous cases of allergies caused by Pinus pollen have been cited and different authors believe that its allergenicity should be studied in more depth. In the city of Vigo several patients have tested positive for Pinus pollen extracts in skin tests, some of them being mono-sensitive to such pollens. In order to ascertain the behaviour of Pinus pollen and its correlation to the main meteorological factors, we carried out an aerobiological study in the city of Vigo from 1995 to 1998 by using a Hirst active-impact volumetric sporetrap, model Lanzoni VPPS 2000, placed on the left bank of the Vigo estuary (42 degrees 14'15"N, 8 degrees 43'30"W). Pinus has high quantitative importance in the airborne pollen spectrum of the city. It is one of the best represented taxa constituting 13%-20% of the total annual pollen levels. The quantity of Pinus pollen present in the atmosphere of the city of Vigo throughout a year is 5,751 grains (as the average for the sampled years), with a very long pollination period, from the middle of January until May. The maximum concentration was recorded in 1998 with 1,105 grains/m(3) on 3 March, a much greater value than those for the previous years. At the end of its pollination period there is usually a final increase in Pinus pollen concentrations coinciding with the pollination of Pinus silvestris, which are more abundant in mountainous areas far from the city.

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The appearance of pollen in the lower airways

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

Pollen‐related allergy in Europe*

Pollen‐related allergy in Europe*

Fungal allergens

Pinus pollen in the atmosphere of Vigo and its relationship to meteorological factors

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