Allergy, Mesquite/Prosopis in Perambur, Chennai

Prosopis Juliflora (Mesquite) is a noxious and invasive species of trees commonly found in the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and Asia. Its pollen is highly allergenic and can provoke existing respiratory issues in individuals.

Mesquite pollen has 16 allergenic components, with 13 being human allergens. This makes it one of the most common causes of allergic reactions.

An allergic reaction occurs when immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies identify a foreign substance as harmful and release proinflammatory mediators. That reaction can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual.

Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever) is one of the most common allergic reactions. Some of the symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion or sneezing 
• Itching sensation in the throat, nose or the roof of the mouth
• Conjunctivitis

Depending on the specific pollen component, other symptoms that can manifest include the following:

• Facial swelling
• Wheezing, coughing or tightness in the chest
• Contact dermatitis (Hives and rashes)

Any dermatological condition resulting from an allergy can lead to excessive itching, causing the skin to become flaky or peel.

In severe cases, an allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. The condition is life-threatening and can cause death if the individual does not receive immediate medical support. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Wet or sweaty skin

A mesquite allergy test (MESQ allergy test) can diagnose an allergic reaction to mesquite pollen. The test can also determine the specific allergenic component (pollen type) responsible for causing a reaction.

By identifying the specific allergens, doctors can determine the following:

• Associated allergic disease and probability of an anaphylactic episode
• Required sensitization before beginning immunotherapy
• Co-relating an individual's reaction to other allergens, including drugs, venom or chemical components

The MESQ allergy test is performed through in vitro serum testing for IgE antibodies. The results help evaluate the immune system's response to the allergen and the associated disease.

The chosen allergen depends on various factors, such as:

• Individual age
• History of allergen exposure
• Pollen season
• Clinical manifestation (Visible symptoms)

An allergy test is not helpful if patients have received prior immunotherapy or when the reaction is not dependent on allergen specificity. Additionally, some individuals may have reduced sensitivity to mesquite pollen, requiring the evaluation of test results in that specific clinical context. IgE concentrations of 0.7 kU/L and above indicate an allergic reaction. However, over-the-counter medications such as Claritin and Zyrtec can reduce the severity of an allergic reaction. So, you should ideally take these medications a few weeks before the start of allergy season. Immunotherapy shots and tablets can also desensitize an individual to allergens present in mesquite pollen.

Some general tips include maintaining good hygienic standards, including changing clothes after a trip outside to reduce pollen exposure.

Apollo 24|7 has an all-inclusive MESQ allergy test that evaluates an individual’s susceptibility to the allergenic components present in mesquite. The test can comprehensively assess the severity of an individual's reaction and outline immunotherapy treatment options.