Researcher birthday increased in spring allergy risk

Patients with acute allergic reactions (such as acute urticaria, anaphylactic shock) are not uncommon in emergency rooms. Researchers from Parma have now analyzed the birth data of such patients and were able to show that the time of birth has an influence on the risk of allergies.

Those born in the spring have an increased risk of allergy, as a study shows. Image: Laurentiu Iordache - fotolia

The research team reviewed the data from 588 patients over the age of 16 years in 2013 with acute urticaria (62%), acute angioedema (13%), both (16%) or anaphylactic shock (9.5%) in the emergency department University Hospital were published.

The triggers of the reactions could either not be determined (almost 50%), or were due to drugs (21%), food (15%), insect bites (10% and chemicals (4%).

The patients with a date of birth in March, April or May were over-represented with 26.2% with acute allergic problems. By comparison, in the population of the region, the spring births of the corresponding age cohort accounted for 23.1%. Overall, this means a 12% increased rate for an emergency visit due to an acute allergic problem. Compared with those born in the fall, the rate was even increased by 19%.

No significant relationship between birth and allergies was observed in insect stings, food and chemicals. The original study can be found here. (Pm)