Dorothy FarrarAcacia allergy
An acacia allergy is an allergic reaction to acacia pollen. In Germany, however, the allergy occurs only rarely. The plant grows primarily in southern climes. However, there is a risk when traveling to these regions. Various remedies are available to alleviate acacia allergy.
What is acacia allergy?
The acacia (Acaciae) mainly grows as a shrub, but sometimes also as a tree. It belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae) and belongs to the subfamily of the mimosa family (Mimosoideae). The acacia is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. There are around 1400 species of acacia in the world. About 950 species are found in Australia.
The acacia has flowers that are equipped with a variety of pollen. This pollen causes an acacia allergy in various people, which manifests itself in symptoms such as hay fever , skin irritation or itchy eyes. The allergic potential of the acacia is considered high.
In Germany, however, an acacia allergy is rare because the plant is mainly native to tropical and subtropical regions. However, in Australia and Africa, many people suffer from an allergy to acacia. There can therefore also be problems for German tourists who travel to areas where acacia trees occur. Some acacia species, such as Australian Blackwood, even trigger skin inflammation on direct contact with the plant.
causes
The pollen of the plant is responsible for an acacia allergy. The pollen count reaches its peak in May and June. In Europe, acacias are mainly found in Spain or Italy. People who suffer from an acacia allergy should particularly avoid regions where the acacia thrives in the months of May and June. In Central Europe, the pollen count of the acacia occurs between April and July.An acacia allergy, like other allergies, is caused by an excessive reaction of the human immune system. The immune system is actually responsible for fighting harmful germs such as viruses , bacteria or parasites . If these pathogens get into the human body, special antigens are formed, which immunizes the body. Because the immune system can remember it when it comes into contact with the germ later, no disease occurs. The organism then immediately produces antibodies against the pathogen. In the case of an acacia allergy, the immune system also reacts.
Following the first contact with an allergen that is foreign to the body, specific defense cells or antibodies are produced, which causes sensitization of the organism. The phase lasts 9 to 12 days. The affected person does not notice anything. If there is later contact with the allergen again, the body forms the corresponding antigens. These defense cells are activated and take action against the actually harmless acacia allergen, which results in an allergic reaction and leads to unpleasant symptoms.
There is a greater risk of allergies in people who have a hereditary predisposition. The probability of suffering an allergy is 50 percent if the allergy already occurs in one parent. If both parents also have an acacia allergy, the allergy risk increases to 60 to 80 percent.
In addition to an acacia allergy to its pollen, allergic reactions to other acacia substances such as acacia gum are also possible. This is often used as an additive in beverages and foods. Gum acacia is also used as an emulsifier in ice cream and mayonnaise, and as a thickener in chewing gum and candy. It is also used in the textile and printing industries.
When to the doctor?
In case of sudden itching on the skin or red eyes , it is advisable to consult a doctor. Watery eyes, swollen eyes, a stuffy or runny nose are all signs of an allergic reaction in the body. A persistent urge to cough, reddening of the skin or swelling should be examined. An allergy test can be carried out by a doctor, which provides information about the triggering stimulus for the symptoms.
In the case of an acacia allergy, the affected person should avoid regions and places where the plant is native or artificially planted. If you experience shortness of breath, gasping or reduced breathing, see a doctor as soon as possible. Due to the impairment of breathing, there is an undersupply that must be treated. If the symptoms increase or other symptoms appear, it is also necessary to consult a doctor.
If an anaphylactic shock occurs , an ambulance must be called immediately. The immune system shows an acute reaction to which an immediate response is required. There is a risk of a life-threatening condition since multiple organ failure can occur. There is impairment of consciousness and acute shortness of breath as the mucous membranes in the throat swell. Adequate ventilation must therefore be ensured until the emergency doctor arrives.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms:
- tingling in the nose
The symptoms of an acacia allergy are similar to those of other pollen allergies. In most cases, those affected suffer from hay fever, runny nose, sneezing fits, swollen nasal mucous membranes and irritated airways. It is not uncommon for coughing or allergic bronchial asthma to occur. The course of an acacia allergy depends on whether the allergy sufferer manages to avoid contact with the triggering pollen. So there are a few ways to protect yourself from acacia pollen. In severe cases, there is a risk of anaphylactic shock, which must be treated immediately in a hospital.
Diagnose
If you suspect you have an acacia allergy, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The doctor carries out several tests ( prick test ) to identify the cause of the allergic symptoms. Without an appropriate test, it is difficult to find the trigger. With an allergy test against acacia pollen, the doctor can determine whether it is actually an acacia allergy or another pollen allergy.
complications
If an acacia allergy is not treated in time or only inadequately, it can lead to anaphylactic shock and subsequent circulatory failure. Before that, the allergy can lead to hay fever, a runny nose, and sneezing fits. In severe cases, the nasal mucous membranes swell and the airways become irritated, which can lead to shortness of breath and an allergic cough. Usually the eyes also swell and the skin starts to itch. Although these symptoms only rarely lead to serious complications, they significantly worsen the general condition of the person concerned.
Chronic allergies can sometimes also lead to the development of psychological complaints, which in turn are associated with complications. When treating an acacia allergy, symptoms of exhaustion and tiredness can occur as a side effect of the hyposensitization. Nasal rinses and other medical preparations can also irritate the irritated nasal mucous membranes and sometimes cause serious infections. Problems arise above all when the corresponding preparations are used permanently. If the acacia allergy is treated specifically, serious complications are unlikely.
treatment and therapy
There are several ways to alleviate the symptoms caused by acacia allergy. Most patients are given anti-allergic medication, which they take in the form of tablets or drops. Rinsing the nose is also helpful. In some cases, hyposensitization can also be helpful. In this procedure, which takes a long time, the allergen is administered to the body so that it becomes accustomed to it over time. This is how immunity to acacia pollen eventually develops. However, the method is not successful for every allergy sufferer.
prevention
In order to prevent the symptoms of an acacia allergy, contact with the allergen must be consistently avoided. To prevent acacia pollen from entering the home, it is advisable to install a pollen protection grid. Breathing masks or nasal filters can be put on when going for a walk.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.