Durban - Experts estimate that one in five people have discomfort because of “hayfever”, making it one of the most common non-communicable conditions in the world.
In an article written for the medical journal Modern Medicine, immunology experts Drs Eton Lin and Katherine Nicholls at the Royal Melbourne Hospital said the condition was expected to increase in prevalence by about 70 percent in the next 35 years.
“Inadequately treated allergic disease creates a significant economic burden throughout the Western world through absenteeism and reduced productivity … More than 75 percent of those with allergic disease are aged between 15 and 64.”
They estimated that in South Africa the medical costs of treating allergic rhinitis were in excess of R559-million, rising to R606-million when indirect costs (like decreased productivity) were included.
Having allergies could seep into every facet of sufferers’ lives, they said, usually as a result of sleep disturbance and fatigue, an effect that could be worsened by treatment.
The symptoms included sneezing, nasal obstruction and mucous discharge.
Allergies could also make the nose, throat and eyes itch and could be either seasonal or perennial.
The symptomatic drug therapy was effective for many patients, especially those with mild to moderate symptoms, but did not alter the long-term course of the condition.
Spokeswoman for allergy medication manufacturer Pharma Dynamics, Mariska van Aswegen, said pollens that usually triggered seasonal allergies came from trees, grasses or weeds, but grass was by far the worst culprit in South Africa.
The most common grass species found in this country include winter grass, wild oats, rye grass, quaking grass, bunny tail, klokkies and Bermuda grass as well as African species such as kikuyu and buffalo grass.
She said the country had one of the largest floral kingdoms in the world, with more than 8 000 species of flora found in the Cape Peninsula.
“In southern Africa there are 947 indigenous grass species and 115 naturalised grass species. All of these produce pollen at different times of the year and the levels of pollen in the atmosphere are variable, depending on the season, presence of wind or thermal currents.”
Van Aswegen explained that not all pollens caused allergic symptoms.
“The pollens that are wind-dispersed are often allergenic, whereas the pollen produced by brightly coloured flowers and dispersed by insects or birds are often not allergenic.
“Grass pollens are by far the most abundant of the pollens, and because they are small they are able to be inhaled and enter the airways of the lungs.”
Tree pollens, she said, were released for short periods (usually only a few weeks in the year in early spring, during August and September).
“Tree pollens include acacia, willow, oak, plane and poplar. Abundant pollen is also produced by jacaranda trees. Weed pollens such as English plantain are commonly found and some individuals are allergic to English plantain.”
Van Aswegen said 30 percent of South Africans suffered from seasonal allergies and the figure was growing
She said it would take only a few sunny, breezy days for pollen to soar, giving allergy sufferers a glimpse of what to expect for the remainder of the season.
“Hayfever sufferers should continue taking their medication even though dispersed rain may dampen symptoms.
“In general, those allergic to pollen should take their medication at least two weeks prior to the start of the season, which will significantly reduce symptoms such as an itchy, runny or blocked nose, irritated and watery, red eyes and/or a scratchy throat,” she said.
For up-to-date pollen counts visit www.pollensa.co.za or for any hayfever-related queries, visit www.allergyexpert.co.za.
Top tips to help avoid hayfever
* Keep doors and windows closed to avoid pollen grains from coming inside the house.
* Avoid the use of fans and rather opt for air conditioning, which can markedly cut down on the amount of pollen in a room as well as in the car.
* Stay indoors on high pollen days between 10am and 4pm, when pollen is usually released – especially when it’s windy.
* Wash clothes after being outside as pollen will stick to them. Showering and washing hair after long exposure is also advisable.
* Don’t hang clothing outside to dry as pollen will collect on it.
* If you enjoy exercise outdoors, choose the form least likely to expose you to allergens – for example, opt for tennis on a cement court rather than golf.
* Wear a mask when working in the garden and mowing the lawn.
(Source: Pharma Dynamics)
The Mercury