Prominent doctors from UKC Sarajevo explain everything about allergies

Allergic diseases are constantly increasing, and in the general population, the prevalence of allergies varies from 30 to 40%, with higher rates in developed industrial countries due to lifestyle and living conditions. The most common allergic diseases are allergic respiratory tract diseases (allergic rhinitis, asthma), allergic conjunctivitis, allergic skin diseases (urticaria, atopic dermatitis, contact allergic dermatitis), and digestive allergic diseases.

As doc. dr. Emina Kasumagić-Halilović, head of the Clinic for Dermatology at UKC Sarajevo and subspecialist in allergology and clinical immunology, explains to the Patria agency, pollen allergies are the most common allergic disease.

- The long period of pollination of various plants certainly contributes to this, so pollen allergy occurs from early spring to late autumn. It is estimated that one-fifth of the population has some form of allergic disease - says the doctor, adding that allergies are also on a constant upward trend in BiH.

Doc. dr. Kasumagić-Halilović: The hereditary factor is also important

Doc. dr. Kasumagić-Halilović explains that numerous factors play a significant role in the development of allergies: air pollution, food additives, some medications, and infections. On the other hand, the hereditary factor is also important, and the predisposition to allergies is greater if both parents have an allergic disease.

Kasumagić-Halilović explains that when patients notice that symptoms occur during the pollination period, the best way to confirm it is through allergy testing, i.e., performing skin allergy tests as well as determining allergy parameters in the blood.

- Although allergies are not severe diseases, they are very unpleasant because they interfere with daily life and work. Patients with pollen allergies should apply preventive measures - avoid spending time outdoors, monitor the pollen calendar, use anti-allergic bedding, and air purifiers - advises the doctor.

Primarius doctor Aida Šećerbegović-Resić, head of the Department for Allergology of the Dermatovenerology Clinic at UKC Sarajevo, explains to the Patria agency that the primary measure in treating allergies is to avoid allergens to which a person is sensitive.

- The only useful measure is to avoid being outdoors, especially with physical activity. Running and sports in areas with lush vegetation should not be practiced at all. Pollen concentration is higher in the morning on sunny and windy days. Ventilate rooms only briefly - states Šećerbegović-Resić.

Dr. Aida Šećerbegović-Resić: Antihistamines are used in the treatment of allergies

Otherwise, as Šećerbegović-Resić explains, contact of allergens with the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract of a sensitized person triggers a complex chain of events in the body that cause typical symptoms (itching of the nasal and eye mucous membranes, burning and tearing, a feeling of fullness and nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose).

Antihistamines are used in the treatment of allergies, which, by binding to receptors, block the action of histamine, which is responsible for the symptoms of allergic diseases.

- New guidelines recommend the use of new-generation antihistamines that do not have side effects such as drowsiness and reduced attention. We also have an effective antihistamine of domestic production - Alerix® (fexofenadine), which can be found in all pharmacies in BiH. Alerix® suppresses the symptoms of pollen allergy and has no side effects - says Kasumagić-Halilović.

Alerix® is a new product in Bosnalijek's line of over-the-counter medications that quickly and effectively alleviates or completely eliminates the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, itchy throat). One tablet a day provides 24-hour symptom control and can be used by all individuals over 12 years of age.