Professor Gonzalo Chorzepa explained which are the most common ones and demystified different beliefs on the subject.

Allergies are a growing health problem in modern society. From sneezing and itching to severe reactions, they affect millions of people around the world, disrupting their quality of life and, in some cases, putting their health at risk. Despite their prevalence, there are still many myths and misunderstandings about what allergies are, how they develop, and how they can be effectively managed.

Gonzalo Chorzepa, professor of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario and a doctor specializing in allergy and immunology, detailed the most common types of allergies, the factors that trigger them, and how the immune system plays a crucial role in their development.

With the change of season, allergies are often the order of the day, especially in the mid-seasons such as autumn and spring. “Respiratory allergies are the most common, including asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis, which manifest with frequent sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, nasal congestion and mucus. These allergies are generally linked to aeroallergens, which can be indoor or outdoor,” explained Chorzepa.

Among indoor allergies, mites are the most common. “Mites, small microscopic insects from the spider family, are the most common cause of allergies in our environment. They feed on skin and hair flakes, both from humans and animals, and thrive in humid and warm environments, such as those found in Rosario,” added the specialist. 

Mites are concentrated in dusty places, especially in bedrooms, where they are found in mattresses, pillows, stuffed animals, carpets and stored clothing, worsening allergy symptoms when the season changes and stored clothing is removed.

Although mites are present all year round, their concentration increases significantly in spring and autumn. “In autumn, with the first cold weather, the airways become inflamed and this, together with the mites, worsens the symptoms. Something similar happens in spring. Although some symptoms persist throughout the year, they tend to improve in summer due to the constant temperature,” explained Chorzepa. “In addition, when this inflammation is combined with a viral infection, the symptoms can worsen considerably.”

The second most common cause of allergies is pet hair, especially cat hair. “Although other animals such as dogs and guinea pigs can also cause allergies, it is much more common with felines,” explained the specialist.

In addition to respiratory allergies and those caused by animals, there are others, such as atopic dermatitis, which causes inflammation and redness of the skin, accompanied by itching. “Atopic dermatitis usually appears in the folds of the elbows or behind the knees, although it can appear anywhere on the body. It is more common in winter, when the skin tends to dry out more,” added Chorzepa.

When it comes to outdoor allergies, pollen is the main culprit. “Plant pollen, which is produced between spring and late summer, is the biggest cause of outdoor allergies. Although it is popularly believed that it is only present in spring, it actually spans half the year,” the specialist explained. Trees, for example, release their pollen much earlier than other plants, starting in late August and continuing throughout September.

“Allergy-causing plant pollens are microscopic and carried by the wind, whereas large, colorful, fragrant flowers such as roses do not typically cause allergies because their pollen is not dispersed in the same way,” Chorzepa said. Pollen allergies are worse on windy days, as pollen can travel miles, affecting people far from the original source.

In Rosario, the number of trees in public spaces has given rise to the myth that banana trees are a major cause of allergies. “Although many believe that banana lint causes allergies, this is only present for 45 days a year. The banana seed, which looks like a feather duster and releases lint, irritates but does not cause allergies as such,” explained Chorzepa. 

People without allergies may be bothered by the lint, while those with other allergies may find their symptoms aggravated, contributing to the myth. “This is very irritating, but it’s like having a feather in your nose or eyes: it won’t do you any good, but it doesn’t mean you’re allergic to feathers.”

In summary, allergies are a complex and multifaceted reality that affects a large number of people. Understanding their causes and symptoms is crucial to properly managing this condition and improving the quality of life of those who suffer from it.

How does our body defend itself and why do allergies arise?

The immune system, a complex and sophisticated network of cells, tissues and organs, plays a vital role as the human body's main defensive bastion against a wide range of pathogens and infections.

“The immune system is designed to defend itself against parasitic infections. However, it is not fully understood why, in some people, the system goes haywire and starts attacking substances that do not provoke any reaction in other individuals. It is not known exactly why it identifies certain elements as aggressors, thus triggering allergies,” Chorzepa explained.

The professor from the Faculty of Medical Sciences explained that there is a genetic predisposition to allergies, but this is not the only explanation. “In the last 30 years, the percentage of allergic people in the world has increased enormously, almost to the point of extinction. Statistics indicate that this percentage continues to grow. Currently, between 20 and 25 percent of the world's population has some type of allergy. It is believed that this could be related to lifestyle and other factors that are not yet fully understood.”

City life, environmental pollution, air conditioning systems and other factors could contribute to a deconfiguration of the immune system in certain people. “It has been shown that diet also plays a role in this regard, but there is no single explanation that explains why allergy levels have skyrocketed in recent decades,” Chorzepa added.

When can an allergy be worrying?

Allergies are immune system reactions that have become common in the daily lives of many people. However, it is important to recognize when these reactions become a problem that significantly affects the quality of life.

According to Chorzepa, “if a person has itching or sneezing and it affects them two or three days a month, they can manage it because it does not affect their daily life that much. But if these symptoms are constant, if they make daily life difficult, then they must be treated.”

Seasonal allergies, such as those caused by pollen in the spring, can be particularly bothersome, although they are usually limited to certain periods of the year. “People who suffer from severe seasonal allergies, which can last for about a month, may need preventative treatment to avoid symptoms and be able to lead a normal life,” she said.

However, for those with allergies that persist throughout the year, the situation is more complicated. These can be caused by factors such as dust, mites or mould, which are constantly present in the environment. In these cases, it is essential to treat them appropriately so that the symptoms do not become bothersome. “Although it may seem obvious, allergies must be treated correctly, avoiding self-medication and consulting a specialist. Many people take antihistamines or corticosteroids in pill form for a long time, which improves the symptoms but at a high cost. It is important to avoid the adverse effects of incorrect medication,” added the specialist.

Poor allergy management can lead to significant complications. Self-medication may mask temporary symptoms, but it does not address the root of the problem, which can lead to ineffective and potentially harmful treatment.

Chorzepa said that many patients come to the clinic after years of self-medication. “Perhaps these people have controlled their symptoms, but with terrible adverse effects. Self-medication is dangerous, especially if it continues for a long time. It is essential to understand that when symptoms persist, a different approach is probably necessary to find the solution, looking for the cause of the allergy.” 

To effectively manage allergies, an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan designed by a specialist are crucial. Although allergies can be a common part of life, it is essential to recognize when they become a serious problem that requires medical attention. Proper treatment not only improves quality of life, but also prevents long-term complications associated with self-medication and inappropriate symptom management.

Journalist: Gonzalo J. García / Photographer: Camila Casero.