Particularities of pollen allergies in Greece

Area of Science:

• Allergy and immunology
• Environmental health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Pollen allergy (pollinosis) is a major health concern in Greek children, accounting for about 25% of pediatric respiratory allergies.
• Greece's climate fosters extended and abundant pollen seasons, particularly in Central/Southern regions and islands, mirroring conditions in other Mediterranean areas like Southern Italy and Spain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence and impact of pollen allergy in Greek children.
• To identify prevalent allergenic plants and their contribution to respiratory allergic diseases.
• To underscore the need for further local research in aerobiology and epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on pollen allergy prevalence and contributing factors in Greece.
• Identification of common allergenic plant species (grasses, Olea europaea, Parietaria).
• Discussion of clinical manifestations and current management strategies.

Main Results:

• Grasses, Olea europaea, and Parietaria are the most significant allergenic plants in Greece.
• Favorable weather conditions lead to high pollen concentrations, exacerbating rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms.
• Current management includes medication and immunotherapy, but local data is limited.

Conclusions:

• Pollen allergy poses a substantial clinical challenge for Greek children.
• Targeted aerobiologic and allergen identification studies are crucial for understanding specific local allergens.
• Further epidemiological research is necessary to fully assess the scope and long-term outcomes of pediatric pollinosis in Greece.