Antihistamines in wastewater indicate pollen
Published: Saturday, Apr 13th 2024, 07:20
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A few hours after a pollen flight, researchers found a greatly increased level of antihistamines in wastewater. Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier from the University of Zurich also explained in an interview why there is an urban-rural divide when it comes to hay fever.
Pollen flights can almost be detected via wastewater, said Schmid-Grendelmeier, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Zurich, in an interview with the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" published on Saturday. The drugs would enter the wastewater via the urine.
Together with the Swiss aquatic research institute Eawag, the University of Zurich is investigating the level of antihistamines in wastewater during the pollen season. The results have not yet been published, said Schmid-Grendelmeier.
During the study, the researchers also discovered an increase in antihistamines at an unusual time. "There was no pollen count for alder and hazel, and birch pollen was not yet measurable," said Schmid-Grendelmeier. The researchers were not yet able to explain what had triggered allergies in many people at this time. "There may be a tree species that we have not yet identified as an allergy trigger," said the Professor of Dermatology.
"More aggressive pollen" in the city
People in the city are more at risk from hay fever than people who live in the countryside. On the one hand, this is due to "more aggressive" pollen. The proportion of proteins in pollen that cause allergies varies greatly. "Birch trees that grow in the city, for example, have slightly twice as many allergens as birch trees in the countryside," said Schmid-Grendelmeier. The protein responsible for the allergy is a stress protein. Trees that are exposed to too much exhaust fumes, for example, produce more of it.
Exhaust fumes and pollutants from traffic also lead to more irritated mucous membranes. This is another reason why people in the city are more likely to suffer from hay fever, Schmid-Grendelmeier explained.
Desensitization for severe hay fever
During an allergic reaction, the body releases the messenger substance histamine. In the case of hay fever, it causes symptoms such as a watery nose or red and itchy eyes. Antihistamines block the histamine receptors in the body, explained Schmid-Grendelmeier.
In severely affected people, pollen can lead to breathing difficulties. In this case, a visit to the doctor and desensitization is recommended. "The aim of this treatment is to convert the immune system from hypersensitivity to tolerance," said the dermatologist. The next opportunity for such treatment would be in the fall - before the pollen season.
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