SEASONAL ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS AND THEIR RELATION TO POLLEN EXPOSURE IN SOUTH-EAST FRANCE

In order to evaluate the relationship between pollen exposure and prev alence of allergic respiratory symptoms, we performed a cross-sectiona l epidemiological study in 2 areas with contrasted exposure to cypress and grass pollens. The study population consisted of 5427 subjects 18 to 65-years-old representative of the general population. All answere d an abridged version of the 1978 ATS questionnaire and a sample had a skin test evaluation including grass and cypress pollens. Prevalence of hay fever symptoms was equal to 31.5% and 14.1%, respectively, in e xposed and less exposed community (P<0.001). Prevalence of hay fever s ymptoms together with a positive skin test to pollen was also signific antly higher in the exposed (13.6%) vs less exposed community (5.5%, P <0.001). In contrast, overall prevalence of asthma was equal to 4.5% a nd 3.4%, respectively. Prevalence of asthma with positive skin tests w as also not statistically significant, equal to 2.5% and 1.9% respecti vely. Thus, high exposure to pollen is a risk factor for developing ha y fever but not asthma.