High-risk groups

The severity of the allergic reaction to pollen varies from person to person according to:

  • the immune system of the sensitized person which reacts in different degrees to the allergen
  • the type of pollen to which the person is allergic
  • the intensity of the pollen season.

Who is affected by pollen allergies?

Pollen allergies and allergies in general have a hereditary element.

Children of allergic parents are more susceptible to be allergic as well: they have inherited an “allergic predisposition”, i.e. a sensitivity to certain allergens.

This sensitivity can manifest itself with greater or lesser severity throughout life. This is why an allergy to pollen can be triggered at any age and may develop throughout life.

Allergies generally abate with age: as the immune system of older people is less efficient, it will react less to allergens.

While there is not really an at-risk population, certain environmental risk factors (climate, smoking etc.) can promote the occurrence of pollen allergies.

The Belgian aerobiological surveillance network “Airallergy” quickly informs general practitioners, specialists, pharmaceutical firms and the general population of the presence of allergens in the air.

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