Use of aerobiological information systems in pollen allergy management

Rationale : aerobiological information systems (AIS) are available in many countries. However, few studies have been performed to assess their effect as a preventative tool. Aim : to assess the usefulness of using AIS for pollen allergy management in an European general population sample. Methods : in 2016, 643 subjects with pollen allergy were enrolled in Italy (Pisa, PI), France (Paris, PA) and Austria (Vienna, VI), exposed to an educational intervention about pollen allergy and randomized in group A (using AIS) vs group B (controls). 511 subjects completed the Health, CARAT (modified) and Rhinasthma questionnaires about health status, disease control and quality of life (QoL) at baseline and 12 months follow up. Intra- and intergroup statistical differences of clinical changes were assessed. Results : nasal (NS), respiratory (RS) and ocular (OS) symptoms significantly decreased in group A, RS and OS in group B; NS (not significantly, ns), RS (ns) and OS (borderline) decreased more in group A (-4.5%, -40.1%, -26.3%, respectively) than in group B (-4.0%, -32.9%, -21.6%, respectively). Group A vs B showed: a lower incidence of NS and OS (1.5 vs 4.0% and 3.9 vs 7.4%; ns), a higher remittance of RS (42.6 vs 35.2%; ns). QoL and allergy control significantly increased only in group A; group A vs B tended to improve QoL (+10.9 vs +5.5%, borderline) and allergy control (+12.2% vs +10.9%, ns). Conclusions : involvement in a prospective study including an educational intervention on pollen allergy management seems to produce long term benefits in allergic subjects, regardless of AIS use. Further studies on larger samples and longer follow-ups are needed. Supported by EU LIFE program, project no. LIFE13 ENV/IT/001107.