Search results

1

Occupational allergy to birds within the population of Polish bird keepers employed in zoo gardens

100%

Świderska-Kiełbik S., Krakowiak A., Wiszniewska M., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Śliwkiewicz K., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2011

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vol. 24

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issue 3

292-303

EN

Objectives: To evaluate the risk factors for the development of occupational allergy to birds among Polish zoo garden keepers. Methods: A total of 200 bird zookeepers employed in the Polish zoo gardens in Łódź, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Chorzów and Płock and exposed occupationally to bird allergens were examined using a questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPTs) to common allergens and bird allergens, spirometry and cytograms of nasal swab. The level of total IgE in serum and serum-specific IgE to parrot, canary, pigeon feathers and serum were also evaluated. Results: Eight percent of bird zookeepers were sensitized to at least one of the bird allergens. The most frequent allergens yielding positive SPT results were D. farinae - 32 cases (16%), D. pteronyssinus - 30 cases (15%) and grass pollens (16.5%). In the studied group, allergen-specific IgE against bird allergens occurred with the following frequency: 87 (43.5%) against canary feathers and/or serum, 80 (40%) against parrot feathers and/or serum and 82 (41%) against pigeon feathers and/or serum. Occupational allergy was diagnosed in 39 (26.5%) cases, occupational rhinitis was present in 22 (15%) cases, occupational asthma in 20 (13.6%) subjects, occupational conjunctivitis in 18 (12.2%) cases, whereas occupational skin diseases in 11 (7.5%) cases. More eosinophils were found in nose swab cytograms among bird zookeepers with occupational airway allergy. Conclusions: The findings indicate that occupational allergy to birds is an important health problem among zoo bird keepers in Poland.

2

Maternal waterpipe smoke exposure and the risk of asthma and allergic diseases in childhood: A post hoc analysis

100%

Waked M., Salameh P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 1

147-156

EN

Introduction This analysis was conducted with the objective of evaluating association between waterpipe passive smoking exposure and asthma, and allergies among Lebanese children. Material and methods Data were taken from a crosssectional study on children from public and private schools. A sample of 22 schools participated in the study, where standardized written core questionnaires were distributed. From 5 to 12-year-old students filled in the questionnaires at home, while 13–14-year-old students filled it in in the class. In total, 5522 children were evaluated for the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema, and their associated factors, including waterpipe exposure due to parents’ smoking. Results The descriptive results of parental smoking were, as follows: among mothers: 1609 (29%) mothers smoked cigarettes, 385 (7%) smoked waterpipe and 98 (1.8%) smoked both; among fathers: 2449 (44.2%) smoked cigarettes, 573 (10.3%) smoked waterpipe and 197 (3.5%) smoked both. Maternal waterpipe smoking was significantly and moderately associated with allergic diseases (p < 0.001; ORa = 1.71), including probable asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis (p < 0.001 for all). Quite on the opposite, father’s waterpipe smoking was not associated with any of the diseases. Parental cigarette smoking demonstrated some positive effects: father’s cigarette smoking did not show association with dermatitis or asthma diagnosed by a physician, while mother’s cigarette smoking showed a positive association only with probable asthma. Moreover, no interactions between cigarette and waterpipe smoking were observed. Conclusions Maternal waterpipe smoking should be regarded as a high risk behavior; however, additional studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

3

Ocena stanu zdrowia dzieci wrocławskich w wieku 6,5–9,5 lat. Część 2

100%

Noczyńska A., Zubkiewicz-Kucharska A., Mysłek-Prucnal M., Bosak-Prus M.

Family Medicine & Primary Care Review

|

2014

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issue 1

29-31

PL

Wstęp. Obserwowany na świecie wzrost zachorowania na choroby cywilizacyjne dotyczy w dużym stopniu również dzieci. Cel pracy. Ocena sytuacji zdrowotnej dzieci uczęszczających do trzech pierwszych klas szkół podstawowych we Wrocławiu. Materiał i metody. Badaniem objęto 1984 dzieci (97,92%) – 934 chłopców (47%) i 1050 dziewczynek (53%), w wieku 6,5–9,5 lat z 26 wybranych losowo publicznych szkół we Wrocławiu. Badania przeprowadzano w latach 2009–2011. Rozdano 4000 ankiet, w których pytano rodziców o przebyte i aktualne choroby oraz wady rozwojowe. Wyniki. Zespoły genetycznie uwarunkowane były rozpoznane u 15 (0,75%), wady układu moczowego – u 24 (1,2%), serca – u 9 (0,45%), przewodu pokarmowego – u 24 (1,2%), wady wzroku – u 236 (11,8%), choroby alergiczne – u 597 (30,1%), astma oskrzelowa – u 33 (1,51%) badanych. Z powodu chorób endokrynologicznych leczonych jest 15 (0,75%) dzieci. U 66/934 (7,06%) chłopców rozpoznano wady układu moczopłciowego. U 402 (20,2%) dzieci rozpoznano wadę postawy,z czego u 20 (1%) wady były utrwalone. Wnioski. Opieka pediatryczna w szkołach jest niezadowalająca. Najważniejszymi problemami zdrowotnymi u dzieci klas I–III są choroby alergiczne oraz wady postawy, na co wpływ mogą mieć czynniki środowiskowe. W celu poprawy stanu zdrowia dzieci konieczna jest edukacja prozdrowotna dzieci, a szczególnie rodziców

EN

Background. Increase in civilization diseases prevalence has also been noticeable in children worldwide. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the health situation of Wroclaw’s children during the first three years of school education. Material and methods. The study included 1984 children (97.92%), 934 boys (47%) and 1050 girls (53%), who were attending 26 randomly selected public schools in Wrocław. The study was conducted in 2009–2011. 4000 questionnaires on past and current chronic diseases as well as developmental disturbances were given to legal guardians of children taking part in the project. Results. Genetic disorders and syndromes were present in 15 (0.75%) children, malformations of urinary system in 24 (1.2%), heart defects in 9 (0.45%), digestive system disease in 24 (1.2%), vision defects in 236 (11.8%), allergy in 597 (30.1%) and asthma in 33 (1.51%) participants. 15 (0.75%) children were treated due to endocrinological diseases. In 66/934 (7.06%) boys genital organs malformations were diagnosed. Stature defect was diagnosed in 402 (20.2%) examined, including 20 (1%) with fixed defects. Conclusions. Pediatric care provided in school is unsatisfactory. Allergy and stature defects dominated among all found disorders that could result from environmental factors. Effective education of healthy lifestyle should help to improve health status of school children.

4

The relationship between antibiotic therapy in early childhood and the symptoms of allergy in children aged 6–8 years - the questionnaire study results

75%

Raciborski F., Tomaszewska A., Komorowski J., Samel-Kowalik P., Białoszewski A. Z., Walkiewicz A., Lusawa A., Szymański J., Opoczyńska D., Drużba M., Borowicz J., Lipiec A., Kapalczynski W. J., Samoliński B.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 4

470-480

EN

Introduction: Studies based on the ISAAC questionnaire suggest a correlation between the use of antibiotics and the prevalence of asthma and allergy in children aged 6-7 years. The number of courses of antibiotic therapy is an important factor. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the use of antibiotics during the fi rst years of life and the prevalence of allergy and asthma among children (aged 6-8 years) in the urban population of Poland. Materials and Methods: A survey-based study with a self-completed questionnaire. The respondents were parents of children aged 6-8 years living in Warszawa, Poland. 1461 completed questionnaires were collected. Results: Asthma was declared in 4.3% of the children. Wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi within 12 months before the study was observed in 13.5% of the cases. Asthma medication was taken by 21.8% of the children. Allergic rhinitis was declared in 18.7% of the children. Problems with sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion not associated with cold or fever were observed in 40.7% of the children. The a nalysis of the odds ratios between the use of antibiotics and the symptoms of allergic diseases revealed a clear correlation. The highest odds ratio was observed between the completion of over three courses of antibiotic therapy prior to the age of 12 months and the declaration of one of the following: asthma (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 2.6-12.01), wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 3.01-7.27) and taking medicines for breathlessness (OR = 5.12, 95% CI: 3.42-7.68). Conclusions: There is a direct relationship between antibiotic use in the fi rst 3 years of life and asthma and allergy symptoms in children aged 6-8 years old.

5

Severe facial reaction to thiurams in surgeons

75%

Coppeta L., Papa F., Pietroiusti A., De Zordo L. M., Perrone S., Barone S., Magrini A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2019

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vol. 70

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issue 1

EN

Contact dermatitis is a major problem in the healthcare environment and in other sectors. Healthcare professionals may be exposed to a large number of chemical agents, including the accelerators for rubber vulcanization process. The prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis among operators in the sector ranges 13–30%. This paper describes the case of a 46-year-old male cardiac surgeon affected by a severe skin reaction localized on the face in the absence of hand dermatitis, presumably resulting from the use of a surgical patch applied to the face. Patch tests were performed and the result was negative for latex and positive (+++) for thiuram mix. A thiuram-free tape was prescribed and the operator’s dermatitis improved significantly. Thus, it would be very important to pay attention to skin disorders in health workers and thiuram as an occupational allergen. Med Pr. 2019;70(1):121–4

6

Safety and efficacy of vaccinations in patients from high-risk groups: new challenges in the era of vaccine hesitancy

75%

Hanna Czajka H.

European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine

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2019

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issue 1

83-88

EN

Introduction. Vaccinations are one of the most effective medical interventions that protect people against infectious diseases. It should be noted that a new vaccine licensing is always preceded by clinical trials assessing its safety and efficacy. Anti-vaccine propaganda carried out by vaccination opponents has become an international problem with a global reach. Aim. To review the literature on vaccinations of patients from high-risk groups. Material and methods. A literature review of the following databases has been conducted: EBSCO, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer Link. Results. High-risk groups in the paediatric population include pre-term born infants, patients after stem cell transplantations, children with allergies and other chronic diseases. Vaccinations in the examined groups are generally safe and are an effective method of preventing infections. Conclusion. At a time when the level of vaccine skepticism is high and the epidemiological situation of many diseases is unstable, patients who are more susceptible to infection are particularly endangered. High level of knowledge of health care professionals and their personal positive attitude towards vaccinations are important for improving the vaccination coverage rates. In the light of measles epidemic outbreaks and an almost geometric increase in the number of pertussis cases noted recently, actions are needed to achieve herd immunity.

7

The incidence of lidocaine allergy in dentists: an evaluation of 100 general dental practitioners

75%

Janas-Naze A., Osica P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2019

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vol. 32

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issue 3

333-339

EN

Objectives Local anesthetics are some of the most common drugs used in dentistry and about 6 million people daily around the world are subjected to their effect in procedures performed by a similar number of dentists who, in turn, are usually not aware of the fact of being allergic to this group of medications. Assuming that dentists are also patients, and that in their daily practice the contact with the allergen is very frequent, it is essential to assess the incidence of allergy to lidocaine in general dental practitioners. Material and Methods The authors evaluated a group of 100 general dental practitioners in whom adverse reactions similar to anaphylaxis occurred after local anesthesia. The study included individuals who, in their thorough medical history, had experienced episodes of such reactions regarding the skin, airways, gastrointestinal tract and other areas. Results The relations between type I hypersensitivity and certain symptoms, time from exposure to their appearance, as well as time from the last episode were investigated. Allergy to lidocaine was detected in 17 subjects – type I hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 13 cases (skin prick test – 7; intradermic test – 6) and 4 subjects had IgE-independent allergy (patch test). In the group where type I hypersensitivity was detected, urticaria, angioedema and rhinitis were indicated as inclusion criteria more often than among other subjects. According to the results, the occurrence of angioedema increased the risk of detection of type I hypersensitivity 68.8 times, and 1 year longer period from the last episode decreased this risk by circa 55%. Conclusions The most important, from the clinical practice point of view, was to show the relation between the medical history indicating the anaphylactic nature of the lidocaine intolerance, and an allergy confirmed by skin tests. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):333–9

8

The indirect costs of allergic diseases

75%

Stróżek J., Samoliński B., Kłak A., Gawińska-Drużba E., Izdebski R., Krzych-Fałta E., Raciborski F.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2019

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vol. 32

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issue 3

281-290

EN

It is estimated that every third person living in Europe suffers from allergic diseases. Allergies are a growing health problem in Poland where 40% of the population have allergy symptoms, including 12% afflicted with asthma. The actual cost of allergic diseases is difficult to estimate due to the lack or incompleteness of the relevant data. The aim of this review is to present estimates of the indirect costs of allergic diseases in Poland and globally, using asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis as examples. The analysis also includes the impact of allergic diseases on the costs to the social welfare system and employers. The literature review of the indirect costs of allergic diseases shows that the indirect costs of a disease, which substantially exceed the direct costs, increase with the disease activity and severity. Interestingly, some studies have found that the indirect costs of lost productivity due to hours missed from work to take care of a sick child could be threefold higher than those of absence due to a worker’s own illness. The indirect costs of a disease can be significantly reduced by early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):281–90

9

Evaluation of selected aspects of the hygiene hypothesis and their effect on the incidence of allergy

75%

Krzych-Fałta E., Wojas O., Furmańczyk K., Dziewa-Dawidczyk D., Piekarska B., Samoliński B., Sybilski A.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2023

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vol. 36

|

issue 1

69-83

EN

Objectives The development of allergic conditions is largely dependent on the interactions between genetic (individual genetic predisposition) and environmental factors (exposure to risk factors). The aim of this study was an attempt to assess the influence of selected elements of the hygiene theory in the development of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Material and Methods The study group consisted of 5518 women and 3868 men. The method that was used was the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire validated and adapted to Central and Eastern European conditions. The project was conducted in 8 urban areas (Gdańsk, Wrocław, Poznań, Katowice, Kraków, Lublin, Białystok, Warsaw) and 1 rural area (Krasnystaw county). This study had 2 stages; the first stage involved grouping the 22 500 respondents based on their questionnaire responses with the use of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA); the second stage involved 7000 subjects, who underwent additional assessments: skin prick tests (birch, grasses/cereals, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, molds [set I: Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria tenuis, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme, Helminthosporium], molds [set II: Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium notatum, Pullularia pullulans, Rhizopus nigricans, Serpula lacrymans], cat, dog, molds Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria tenuis) and spirometry tests. Results The age at which children attend the nursery school is critical to the development of allergic diseases; in allergic rhinitis, the risk of an IgE-dependent reaction is 2 times higher in the second than in the first year of life (p = 0.00147, p < 0.05), while in asthma, having a large number of siblings increases the risk of developing obstructive disease by almost 6 times (p = 0.00316, p < 0.05).The age at which children attend the nursery school is critical to the development of allergic diseases; in allergic rhinitis, the risk of an IgE-dependent reaction is 2 times higher in the second than in the first year of life (p = 0.00147, p < 0.05), while in asthma, having a large number of siblings increases the risk of developing obstructive disease by almost 6 times (p = 0.00316, p < 0.05). Conclusions The hygiene theory is particularly applicable and can explain the relationship of selected habits in the development of allergic diseases. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):69–83

10

The effect of air pollution on the respiratory system in preschool children with contribution of urban heat islands and geographic data – the aim of the study and methodological assumptions

75%

Bobrowska-Korzeniowska M., Jerzyńska J., Polańska K., Kaleta D., Stelmach I., Kunert A., Stelmach W.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2021

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vol. 34

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issue 4

453-460

EN

It has been proven that outdoor and indoor air pollutants can cause adverse health effects and are able to promote the onset of atopic diseases. The current manuscript is focused on methodological issues. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of air pollution, urban environment, and urban heat islands (UHIs) on the occurrence of respiratory diseases including allergic rhinitis, asthma and wheezing in preschool children. The study group consists of 276 five-year-old children attending randomly selected kindergartens in the urban and rural areas of the Łódź Voivodeship. The questionnaire including data on the child’s state of health and socio-economic data will be filled by the caregivers. The children will undergo skin prick testing and the measurement of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. The key components of air pollution – particulate matter (PM) will be measured by personal meters. The PM sampling planned in the study will take 12 h for PM2.5 and for PM10 alike. Data on the level of outdoor air pollution will be collected based on the results obtained from air monitoring stations. The impact of air pollution, UHIs and the environment on the respiratory system and the presence of allergies in children, including chronic respiratory diseases, will be assessed. The project results will provide a scientific basis for the development of preventive programs in the population of children in the Łódź Voivodeship, adapted to the real health needs of society.

11

„Nowe” czynniki predykcyjne nieswoistych bólów kręgosłupa

63%

Citko A., Owsieniuk I.

Gabinet Prywatny

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2022

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vol. 29 (282)

|

issue 03

33-38

EN

Spinal pain is one of the most common ailments of the spine and constitutes one of the most com¬mon reasons why patients report to a family physician. Approx. 90% of the cases concern so-called non-specific spinal pain which is caused by a mechanical factor. The importance of various predictive factors, for instance, being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle or being genetically predisposed is still being discussed. Atten¬tion is also drawn to risk factors related to work requiring carrying heavy objects, remaining in an unnatural, forced body position as well as turning frequently. English-speaking sources report the possibility of “new” pre¬dictive factors of non-specific spinal pain. Non-specific spinal pain is suggested to be related to hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes, urogenital system diseases, gastroenterological diseases and allergies. Both lipidemia - as one of the atherosclerosis-development factors - and diabetes may be strictly related to early disc degeneration. Lipid-lowering agents and hypotension medicines may contribute to the occurrence of non-specific spinal pain. Patients with diagnosed facet joints osteoarthrosis are presumed to significantly more frequently suffer from gastroenterologic comorbidities, such as: gastritis, colonic diverticulosis, hiatal hernia. Non-specific spinal pain may be associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary incontinence or nephrolithiasis. The re¬lation between allergies and non-specific spinal pain is confirmed in the hypothesis of Joseph Miller, an allergist. Therefore, a doctor needs to approach patients suffering from non-specific spinal pain holistically, taking into consideration not only work-related factors but also the specific elements of their lifestyle and comorbidities not related to the spine. Patients’ awareness should be raised regarding the possible relationship between non-spe¬cific spinal pain and cardiovascular diseases.

12

Long-term monitoring of heart rate variability and state anxiety in allergic patients : comparison of four stress protocols

51%

Soláriková P., Brezina I., Turoňová D., Rajčáni J., Mlynčeková S.

Československá psychologie (Czechoslovak Psychology)

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2018

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vol. 62

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issue 3

258-271

EN

Introduction. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents one of the most used biomarkers of cardiovascular health that offers insight on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activation. This study deals with the issue of abnormal functioning of the ANS in allergic individuals who were monitored during three consecutive years. Methods. Our aim was to analyze the influence of various stress protocols on HRV parameters, which could be used as markers of ANS activity and on subjective perception of stress described by STAI-X1 (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Four different stress protocols are compared here: 1. Psychosocial stress (PSST), 2. Cognitive stress, 3. Measurements in natural conditions and 4. PSST group test (GPSST). This study compares outcome of the four protocols also with referential HRV measurement. Results and Discussion. The findings show that the stress tasks which featured a social component (PSST a GPSST) triggered a more intensive physiological response in comparison to cognitive stress or with natural conditions measurements. We recorded an interesting and significant finding related to allergy: allergic subjects showed a tendency towards decreased heart rate frequency (HR) and increased overall HRV in all tests. However, in case of subjectively perceived stress, no differences between groups were recorded. Besides, the functioning of the ANS showed also gender differences represented by an increased HR and a decreased HRV in women. Conclusion. Our results show increased HR and decreased HRV in stress conditions in all stress protocols. Our data support the prior findings of sympathetic withdrawal and/or parasympathetic hyperactivation in individuals suffering from allergy, which could be one form of the dysregulation of the ANS.

CS

Cíle. Tepová variabilita je jedním z nejužívanějších biomarkerů kardiovaskulárního zdraví, který nabízí vhled do aktivace autonomního nervového systému (ANS). Tato studie se zabývá problémem abnormálního fungování ANS u alergiků, kteří byli sledováni po dobu tří let. Metody. Cílem bylo analyzovat vliv různých stresových protokolů na parametry tepové variability, které by mohly být použity jako markery aktivity ANS, a na subjektivní vnímání stresu popsané pomocí STAI-X1 (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Byly srovnány čtyři různé stresové protokoly: 1. Psychosociální stres (PSST), 2. Kognitivní stres, 3. Měření v přirozených podmínkách a 4. Psychosociální skupinový test PSST (GPSST). Výsledky čtyř protokolů byly také srovnány s referenčním měřením variability tepové frekvence. Výsledky a diskuse. Nálezy ukázaly, že stresující úkoly, které obsahovaly sociální složku (PSST a GPSST), vyvolaly intenzívnější fyziologickou odpověď ve srovnání s kognitivním stresem nebo s měřením v přirozených podmínkách. Ve vztahu k alergii byly zjištěny zajímavé a významné nálezy: alergické osoby projevovaly ve všech testech tendenci ke snížené tepové frekvenci a celkově zvýšené variabilitě tepové frekvence. V případě subjektivně vnímaného stresu však nebyly zjištěny žádné rozdíly mezi skupinami. Fungování ANS ukázalo kromě toho také mezipohlavní rozdíly reprezentované zvýšenou tepovou frekvencí a sníženou variabilitou tepové frekvence u žen. Závěry. Výsledky ukázaly zvýšenou tepovou frekvenci a sníženou variabilitu tepové frekvence ve stresových podmínkách ve všech stresových protokolech. Získaná data podporují dřívější nálezy stažení sympatiku a/nebo parasympatické hyperaktivace u osob trpících alergií, což by mohlo být jednou z forem dysregulace ANS.

Refine search results

Occupational allergy to birds within the population of Polish bird keepers employed in zoo gardens

Maternal waterpipe smoke exposure and the risk of asthma and allergic diseases in childhood: A post hoc analysis

Ocena stanu zdrowia dzieci wrocławskich w wieku 6,5–9,5 lat. Część 2

The relationship between antibiotic therapy in early childhood and the symptoms of allergy in children aged 6–8 years - the questionnaire study results

Severe facial reaction to thiurams in surgeons

Safety and efficacy of vaccinations in patients from high-risk groups: new challenges in the era of vaccine hesitancy

The incidence of lidocaine allergy in dentists: an evaluation of 100 general dental practitioners

The indirect costs of allergic diseases

Evaluation of selected aspects of the hygiene hypothesis and their effect on the incidence of allergy

The effect of air pollution on the respiratory system in preschool children with contribution of urban heat islands and geographic data – the aim of the study and methodological assumptions

„Nowe” czynniki predykcyjne nieswoistych bólów kręgosłupa

Long-term monitoring of heart rate variability and state anxiety in allergic patients : comparison of four stress protocols