Bird cherry allergy: causes, symptoms, treatment

Allergy to bird cherry occurs quite often, provoking the development of serious complications. It is not uncommon for an allergic reaction to be mistaken for a common cold, since the symptoms of these diseases are almost identical.

However, the seasonality of manifestations should alert you (bird cherry begins to bloom in late April - early May). It is also important to take into account that a negative reaction can be not only during the flowering of bird cherry. Any trees, including conifers and deciduous ones, can become allergens, but conifers of trees cause an allergic reaction much less often, since their pollen is heavier and larger than that of bird cherry.

Causes and mechanism of development of the disease

The development of allergies is primarily associated with disorders in the immune system, which defines bird cherry pollen as a foreign protein, which leads to a sharply negative reaction. In this case, antigens and histamine are actively trying to remove the allergen from the body, manifesting itself as a negative reaction.

With cross-allergy, all plants belonging to the bird cherry family cause similar symptoms. Depending on the preparedness of the patient's immune system, the reaction can be from almost imperceptible to violent (proceeding with increasing symptoms).

Of no small importance is hereditary predisposition and the presence of chronic diseases, accompanied by a violation of the immune system. Therefore, timely sanitation of the foci of inflammation should be carried out.

Typical symptoms of allergies

In the case of pollinosis, the following reactions of the body are possible:

• increased lacrimation;
• long-term rhinitis;
• there is hyperemia and edema in the eye area;
• almost every allergic attack is accompanied by coughing, shortness of breath, and in the absence of timely treatment, suffocation may develop;
• skin manifestations are noted (redness and small-dot rash, which can capture large areas of the body, accompanied by severe itching and peeling);
• in children, hyperthermia with chills is possible;
• with severe development of allergies, complications such as Quincke's edema (diffuse urticaria) and anaphylaxis are observed. These conditions are considered urgent and require emergency medical attention.

As a rule, allergic symptoms actively progress in dry weather or with increased wind, when there is an increased concentration of allergens in the surrounding space.

Each allergy attack proceeds individually, but in all cases the consultation of a specialist is required. will conduct a series of diagnostic examinations to identify the nature of the allergen, and prescribe the appropriate therapy.

Diagnostics

Bird cherry allergy is diagnosed by a number of specialists, among whom the allergist is of primary importance. He orders a number of laboratory and diagnostic examinations.

First of all, a blood test is prescribed to detect immune antibodies. In addition, it is recommended to conduct a radioallergosorbent analysis, the advantage of which is the absence of exacerbations of allergies.

For diagnostics, skin tests can be carried out when a small scratch is made on a limited area of ​​the skin with a scarifier and a small amount of the suspected allergen is applied. A positive reaction is the appearance of redness and swelling. Skin testing is not recommended for pregnant women and children.

It should be borne in mind that before performing any tests, it is recommended to conduct a complete examination of the body, and also to exclude the use of antihistamines in 2-3 days.

Treatment tactics

Treatment of allergic symptoms can be prescribed directly by a doctor and consist of several stages:

• first of all, it is necessary to limit contact with bird cherry pollen, and also to exclude all products (household substances, perfumes, fragrances, etc.) with the presence of bird cherry in any form;
• the next step is to take antihistamines: for adult patients, oral medications are most often prescribed, such as Telfast, Kestin, Erius. For the treatment of children are used: Claritin, Loratadin, Suprastin;

• swelling of the nasal mucous membranes, possibly relieve with Nazivin or Galazolin;
• the symptoms of conjunctivitis are effectively relieved with levocabastine and Allergodil eye drops;
• you can neutralize itchy rashes with the help of external agents (ointments, gels and creams). With an increase in symptoms, ointments are used, which are based on hormonal components (Prednisolone, Advantan, Hydrocortisone, etc.);
• to quickly remove toxins from the body, it is recommended to take enterosorbents (Enterosgel, Polysorb, etc.), they effectively remove the toxic effect on the body;

• of no small importance in treatment is adherence to a hypoallergenic diet, which excludes the use of rose hips, strawberries, nuts, chocolate, dairy products and other highly allergenic products.

It should be remembered that antihistamines are prohibited for the treatment of pregnant and lactating women, since at this time the body women are most susceptible to hormonal changes and are able to respond to any drug inadequate reaction.

Prophylaxis

Despite the fact that bird cherry allergy occurs quite often, the mechanism of its occurrence until the end not studied, but there are general preventive recommendations to prevent the development of this condition.

The most important condition for prevention is the limitation of any contact with the allergen. In addition, it is necessary to take immunomodulators to increase the body's defenses and to sanitize chronic foci of inflammation in a timely manner. A good effect is observed during hardening procedures and moderate sports.

It must be remembered that self-treatment of allergic manifestations is strictly prohibited! All medications should only be taken as directed by a doctor in order to avoid possible complications.