[Health Tip] Increase in Allergy Diseases Due to No Mask Policy... "Early Diagnosis Needed"

As we enter the full-fledged 'With Corona' era and the mask-wearing mandate has been lifted for the first time in three years, advice is emerging to be cautious of allergic diseases.

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According to GC Green Cross Medical Foundation on the 6th, as more people enjoy outdoor activities without masks, the number of people complaining of various allergic diseases such as pollen allergies and insect bites is also increasing. In particular, due to abnormal high temperatures and dry weather, the pollen season is advancing and the amount of pollen is increasing, so the number of respiratory allergy patients in Korea is expected to be higher than in previous years.

Allergic diseases are a series of immunological reactions showing hypersensitivity to certain specific substances, and are more likely to occur when immunity is weakened or in infants and young children. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock, which can lead to chest pain, difficulty breathing, and sudden death, may occur.

According to GC Green Cross Medical Foundation, about 20-30% of the domestic population suffers from allergic diseases. Depending on the organ where the allergic reaction occurs, it is diagnosed as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, or urticaria. Depending on the cause, it is divided into pollen allergy, insect allergy, food allergy, etc. Allergic reactions occur due to various factors such as genetic influence, the degree of exposure to allergens that trigger allergic reactions, and the environment. Among them, the most representative causes are environmental factors and genetic factors.

In spring, allergies mainly occur due to environmental factors. Yellow dust and fine dust that come along with pollen increase the possibility of triggering allergies and worsen symptoms. The main symptoms of allergic diseases are mostly similar to cold symptoms, such as conjunctivitis with itchy, swollen, and bloodshot eyes, rhinitis symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and symptoms like fever, fatigue, and body aches.

Ji-won Lee, a specialist in diagnostic laboratory medicine at GC Green Cross Medical Foundation, said, "If you are planning outdoor activities such as camping or outings to enjoy the warm weather, it is good to check the risk factors and risk levels of allergies in advance," and added, "If you have allergy symptoms, it is recommended to get a MAST test before the symptoms worsen." The MAST allergy test is a multiplex allergy antigen simultaneous test method that can test 108 types of allergy antigens at the same time.