Pollenkeresztreakivitás

Pollenkeresztreakivitás is a Hungarian term that describes the phenomenon of cross-reactivity between different pollens. This occurs when a person's immune system, which has become sensitized to one type of pollen, mistakenly identifies proteins in another, similar pollen as allergens. As a result, individuals may experience allergic symptoms, such as hay fever, when exposed to pollens that are structurally related to the one they are primarily allergic to.

The most common example of pollenkeresztreakivitás is seen in the "pollen-food syndrome" or oral allergy syndrome. In this condition, people allergic to certain pollens, like birch or ragweed, may also react to fruits, vegetables, or nuts that contain similar protein structures. For instance, someone allergic to birch pollen might experience itching or swelling in their mouth after eating apples, pears, or carrots.

Understanding pollenkeresztreakivitás is important for accurate allergy diagnosis and management. Allergy testing may reveal sensitization to multiple pollens that are not independently problematic, but rather indicate a broader pattern of cross-reactivity. Treatment strategies often involve avoiding cross-reactive foods in addition to managing pollen allergies. The degree of cross-reactivity can vary widely among individuals and depends on the specific pollen types and the proteins they share.