With the arrival of spring, allergies started to increase. Stating that allergy and COVID-19 symptoms can be similar to each other, Anadolu Health Center Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Sönmez said, “We often see runny nose, congestion, tingling in the throat, itching and cough in allergic patients.
However, in COVID-19, headache, fever, muscle joint pain and sore throat are at the forefront. The symptomatic patient infected with COVID-19 comes to the doctor saying 'I am sick', the allergic patient does not feel sick, ”he said.
Reminding that COVID-19 is an infection in which asymptomatic, ie asymptomatic virus carrier is possible, Anadolu Health Center Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Sönmez said, “You do not feel sick, you do not have the slightest complaint, but you may be carrying COVID-19 and infecting the environment. For this reason, it is very important to comply with mask, distance and hygiene rules. Please don't forget that even if you are vaccinated, you are infected and have the potential to transmit viruses, ”he said.
Emphasizing that allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system to substances entering or contacting the body, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Sönmez said, “In other words, allergy is the abnormal response of the body to the 'foreigner'. Studies have shown that genetic predisposition plays an important role in allergy. More allergic diseases may develop in individuals with allergic diseases in their parents. Environmental factors as well as genetic factors can play a role in the formation of allergies. Intense allergen exposure may cause allergic reactions to be observed more frequently and severely ”.
The most common allergies in Turkey grass-tree pollens, house dust and pet hairs
The most common allergies to house dust mites in Turkey, grass / tree pollen, cat and dog fur of animals, such as mold fungi, seafood and eggs, such as certain foods and medicines is that underlines Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Sönmez, “The most common symptoms in allergic reactions are skin rash, swelling and itching, itching in the nose, runny nose, itching and redness in the eyes, cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. When allergens are inhaled, they cause an inflammatory reaction in the entire respiratory tract starting from the nasal mucosa. Related symptoms such as nasal discharge, itching and sneezing, wheezing and shortness of breath due to contraction of the bronchi are observed. Sometimes itching in the ears and watery eyes, stinging and itching may accompany this situation, ”he explained.
Inhaled allergens affect the lungs
Emphasizing that allergens that affect the lung are primarily respiratory allergens, studies have shown that food allergy can also trigger allergic asthma. Esra Sönmez said, “Allergy can be thought of as an exaggerated reaction of the immune system against a foreign factor. Elimination of exposure to the agent is the first step in treatment. For example, you have a cat at home, and your symptoms, which are exacerbated by contact with the cat, will disappear after the cat is sent from the house and the house is thoroughly cleaned. But exposure to many airborne allergens is inevitable, such as grass pollen. When spring comes, it is necessary to use allergy medications that regulate the immune system to treat the complaints caused by the pollen flying in the air. According to the severity of the allergy, it may be necessary to use pills, eye drops, inhaler drugs and in severe cases systemic cortisone, ”he said.
Like all vaccines, Covid 19 vaccines can cause allergies.
Emphasizing that COVID-19 infection is a fatal infection, Dr. Esra Sönmez, “Obesity, hypertension, cardiac patients, chronic lung disease such as COPD, bronchiectasis, patients with kidney failure, cancer treatment and immunocompromised patients, and people over 65 are in the high risk group. It is very important to vaccinate this group. In addition, patients with COVID-19 are recommended to be vaccinated if 6 months have passed since the disease. Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines also have a risk of allergic reactions, so they are recommended to be administered under hospital conditions.
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