Kmenta M, et al. - The prevalence of grass species was investigated in three different European city areas, as well as the flowering period of these species with daily pollen concentrations and the symptom loads of grass pollen allergy sufferers were compared. Unique insights into the contribution of multiple grass species in different European regions were provided by the phenological observations, pollen measurements, and symptom data evaluation. With some degree of variation in symptom patterns, all investigated grass species in the provocation induced rhinitis symptoms of comparable significance.

Methods

• Three different approaches: phenology, pollen monitoring and symptom load evaluation were used to test and examine the most prevalent grass species in Vienna (Austria), Berlin (Germany) and Turku (Finland).
• Experts used a mobile pollen exposure chamber to observe reaction patterns of grass pollen allergy sufferers to three common grass species evaluated in this study versus placebo.

Results

• This study outlined common meadow grass (Poa pratensis) and the fescue grass species (Festuca spp.) as important contributors within the grass pollen season.
• Moreover, the pollination period of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) and false-oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) indicated a greater importance in Berlin and Vienna.
• On the other hand, a broader spectrum of grass species contributed in Turku to the main pollen season.
• In contrary to the placebo control group in grass pollen allergic subjects, the standardized provocation induced a nasal symptom load, reduction in nasal flow and increased secretion.