Rhinitis, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis: allergies to pollen they have multiplied by three in the last twenty-five years. Most of the studies epidemiological they carry a margin of overestimation, since they are essentially based on questionnaires.
However, according to some studies more informed, more than 10% of the population would be affected by the allergies pollen. Pollen allergies affect adults more than children: 7% aged 6 to 7 years, 18% to 20% for ages 9 to 14 are allergic to pollen pollen, compared to more than 30% in adults.
These Protests Allergic they are aggravated by air pollution. In fact, atmospheric pollutants tend to accentuate the irritation of the nasal or ocular mucosa and to lower the threshold of reactivity allergic Ozone, for example, alters the respiratory mucosa and increases its permeability. What begets a reaction allergic at the weakest pollen concentrations.
The contaminants atmospheric they can also act on pollen grains and multiply their allergenic potential. Studies have detected the presence of traces of pollen on particles emitted by vehicles.
Coming in contact with a chemical contaminant, the wall of the pollen grain deforms and ends up breaking, releasing small fragments of pollen called allergens, which are spread through the air. The allergens has a size that allows them to penetrate the respiratory system more deeply than grains of pollen.