Pilar Mazo
Logroño, (EFE).- The “cleaning effect” created by the rain is not taking place due to the drought, which causes the pollen to be more aggressive and allergy sufferers have to resort to antihistamines more frequently.
This has been pointed out to EFE by the academic coordinator of the Biosanitary Area of the International University of La Rioja (UNIR), María Barado, who has warned of the complications that spring is having for people with allergies due to the lack of rain.
Drought alters air quality and makes pollen more aggressive, since the “cleaning effect” created by rain does not occur, so the last few days have been particularly difficult for allergy sufferers, who in Spain exceed the 8 million, according to the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), has specified this pharmaceutical.
Antihistamines are used in the treatment of allergic diseases and it is advisable to resort to them in case of any allergy symptoms, but always under the prescription, Barado has warned.
Currently, there are two types, first and second generation, whose properties are different and it is the physician, he has had an impact, who is responsible for determining which types of allergies can be prescribed for each other, also taking into account their adverse reactions.
The side effects of this type of drugs are diverse and, in the case of allergies, the prescription of second-generation antihistamines generally predominates, whose adverse reactions are not as intense as those included in antiviral or anti-cold drugs. , has specified this pharmacist.
In general, first-generation antihistamines, as they have more intense effects, are usually included in anti-cold drugs because their effect is more immediate, as well as in some creams, since second-generation ones cannot be formulated topically.
Avoid antihistamines in babies
When administering these medications to children, it is preferable to avoid them in children under six months of age, as are all kinds of drugs in this very early age group, since their body “is not mature and adverse effects can occur.” serious or a possibility of overdose.
At school age, more powerful antihistamines that may have a high sedative potential are not usually highly recommended either because they can trigger reactions such as decreased school performance or sports activity, he has assured.
For this reason, Barado has stressed the importance of adopting hygiene measures, such as hand washing, use of saline solution to clean the nose and eyes, which prevent pollen from accumulating and triggering an allergic reaction.
Primary Care doctors and pediatricians, Barado has indicated, insist on this type of recommendation, as is happening with the use of masks, especially FFP2, which in the pandemic have shown that they contribute to a high proportion of reduction , the development of many allergic symptoms .
“Currently, that we have become familiar with the mask, it has been shown that the masks are very useful, since they prevent the inhalation of less pollen from the outside and, consequently, the triggering of allergic reactions”, so it is not Strange that allergic people use them, he explained. EFE.