[Observation on pollinosis with vegetable food allergy]

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Clinical Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Context:

• Pollinosis, commonly known as hay fever, is a prevalent allergic condition often co-existing with food allergies.
• The interplay between inhaled allergens and food allergens can significantly impact patient quality of life and symptom severity.
• Understanding the incidence and impact of plant food allergies in pollinosis patients is crucial for effective management.

Purpose:

• To determine the frequency of plant food allergies among patients diagnosed with pollinosis.
• To evaluate the effect of specific food allergens on the clinical manifestation and quality of life in pollinosis patients.
• To assess the efficacy of dietary modifications in managing co-existing food allergies and pollinosis symptoms.

Summary:

• A study involving 40 pollinosis patients found a high incidence of plant food allergies, with peach being the most common allergen (47.5%).
• Patients avoiding allergenic plant foods showed significant improvements in rhino conjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and symptom scores compared to a control group.
• The findings indicate a strong association between pollinosis and food allergies, with dietary adjustments leading to symptom alleviation.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of screening for food allergies in patients with pollinosis.
• Suggests that dietary interventions, specifically avoiding trigger plant foods, can be an effective strategy to improve clinical outcomes for pollinosis patients.
• Provides evidence for integrated management approaches combining allergen avoidance for both inhaled and food allergens.