(ANSA) - MILAN, 25 MAR - With the arrival of spring, respiratory allergies return.
But compared to the pandemic, there is good news: allergy sufferers "have been shown to be less susceptible to SarsCov2 infection".
Giorgio Walter Canonica, of the Humanitas Clinical Institute in Rozzano (Milan), and Assosalute explain this.
This is because, Canonica observes, "the immunological mechanism that determines the allergy has a decreasing effect of the receptors for the coronavirus on the cells of the respiratory mucous membranes. However, this does not imply a consequent exemption from the use of the mask and other measures of protection from the virus for those suffering from allergic rhinitis ".
Indeed, the use of masks has proved to be effective "as a mechanical barrier for less pollen inhalation, and therefore less annoyance for outdoor allergy sufferers".
Furthermore, the restrictions imposed with differential forms of lockdown have marked a lowering of pollution levels, "a positive factor for those suffering from respiratory allergies, even if it could only be a temporary situation", he stresses.
However, by spending more time indoors due to restrictions, exposure to dust, moisture, and allergens in the home, such as mites or certain molds, is increased.
"In recent years - he continues - we have observed an increase in indoor allergies, partly attributable to living with some pets that can induce allergic rhinitis".
The advice is to continue with anti-allergic therapy even during the pandemic - he concludes - by consulting the doctor if in addition to the typical allergic symptoms, there are also fever, dry cough, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and loss of taste and smell, to evaluate a possible SarsCov2 infection ". (ANSA).