Allergies, which begin to bother in the spring and continue until the first snow falls, today is becoming one of the most common diseases. Currently, allergic diseases are an urgent medical problem both around the world and in Kazakhstan. In this regard, we talked with the allergist of the National Hospital Zarina Zhagybaeva and learned important information about this problem.
According to the specialist, today from 20 to 40 percent of the world’s population suffer from allergic diseases. Among all non-communicable diseases, allergies rank third or fourth. Over the past decades, the prevalence of allergies has almost doubled every ten years. The disease is especially common among residents of large cities. In developed countries, every third resident of the metropolis faces allergic manifestations.
The main reasons for the growth of the disease, experts call environmental pollution, environmental degradation, urbanization and lifestyle changes. According to the doctor, the prevalence of allergic diseases in Kazakhstan also continues to grow. In the coming years, this figure may reach about 35 percent of the country’s population. Already today, the number of people suffering from allergies in Kazakhstan is about 5.5 million people.
The most common allergic diseases in Kazakhstan are allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. According to official data from the Ministry of Health, over the past three years, the rate of allergic rhinitis has increased from 193.2 to 217.7 cases per 100 thousand of the population. In this case, we are talking only about patients who have officially consulted a doctor and received a confirmed diagnosis. According to experts, the real number of people suffering from allergies is much higher.
A particularly high incidence rate is noted in Almaty.
Here, the pollinosis rate reached 417.6 cases per 100 thousand population. Experts attribute this to the geographical location of the city. Almaty is located at the foot of the mountains, which is why air circulation is insufficient, and pollen and allergens linger longer in the city’s atmosphere.
Allergies are independent of age. As the doctor explains, the disease occurs as a result of an incorrect reaction of the immune system, which perceives harmless substances as a threat. In children, allergies are more often associated with immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract and heredity. In adolescents, the development of allergies is influenced by hormonal changes, emotional stress and stress. In adults, ecology, chronic diseases, stress and environmental exposure play an important role.
There are several types of allergies. Among them are food allergies, household allergies, reaction to plant pollen, drug allergies, allergies to insect bites, as well as contact allergies arising from skin contact with household chemicals, cosmetics or metals.
The specialist notes that it is difficult to completely avoid seasonal allergies, but symptoms can be significantly reduced. To do this, it is recommended to keep the windows closed in the morning and in windy weather, use air conditioners with HEPA filters, immediately take a shower after the street, wash your hair and change clothes. It is also recommended to wear protective glasses, do not dry linen outdoors and regularly carry out wet cleaning at home.
Currently, one of the most effective treatments for allergies is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). This method is not aimed at temporary relief of symptoms, but at affecting the very cause of allergy. According to experts, ASIT allows you to achieve long-term remission, although it does not guarantee complete recovery in one hundred percent of cases.
The doctor emphasizes that when symptoms of allergies appear, it is necessary to consult an allergist in a timely manner. This will allow you to determine a specific allergen and choose the right treatment. Despite the fact that allergy is a chronic disease, it can be successfully controlled and maintain a high quality of life.
