Biomedical subjects

K Obtułowicz

Publications and source records attributed to K Obtułowicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Environmental pollutants and allergy diseases.

A rapid increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases of our times as well as a significant increase in the IgE production in our population cannot be explained only by the genetic influence. Allergy is a growing, special problem of the industrial regions and well developed countries. The environmental factors and style of life seem to be the most important reasons of this phenomenon. The environment in which we live is full of natural and manmade substances capable of causing reactions in susceptible individuals. Xenobiotic--unnatural substances which appeared in polluted environment and act on our immunity may induce the suppression of it and in this way provoke the infection or neoplastic diseases. They may also induce the hyper-reactivity reaction and then become the reason of allergic or autoagression diseases. We distinquish two types of environmental pollution. Type I--with a high level of SO2 which induce infections and the chronic inflammation as a consequence of their irritants and a toxic action and type II pollutants (NOx, O3, VOC--volatile organic chemicals) which promote allergic diseases. The allergy in polluted areas additionally is accompanied very often by pseudo-allergy and toxic reactions. In order to stop the present increasing trend of allergic diseases we must increase our attempts to control allergens and irritants. There is no doubt today that the development of allergic diseases is related to the genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2001

[Drug allergy among patients suffering from nasal polyps].

The study was performed in order to evaluate quantity and morphology of nasal polyps in patients with diagnosed drug allergy to aspirin, antibiotics, polocain, procain and other drugs. The study included 60 patients (27 females, 33 males aged between 18-69 years). Nasal polyp morphology was examined under electron microscope and light microscope. Morphological evaluation of epithelial and subepithelial structures was done under light microscope, taking not of inflammatory infiltration type, basal membrane, as well as degree of intestinal edema. Evaluation of epithelial cell type, their relative proportion, as well as area percentage covered by cilium, microvilli and squamous epithelium was done under electron microscope. Polyps in patients with idiosyncrasy to polish aspirin and sodium metamizole (12 patients) featured increased eosinophilic infiltration, thickened basal membrane, with elevated eosinophil percentage differential count. The epithelial percentage area was covered by squamous cells without villi. Polyps associated with idiosyncrasy to polish aspirin differed morphology compared to polyps originality from patients allergic to other medications. On the other hand polyps from patients allergic to other drugs, such as: penicillin, procainamide were morphologically (electron light microscope, light microscope) similar to those polyps caused by inflammatory factors.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Occupational allergic diseases in the steel industry. Population studies].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of occupational allergic diseases of the respiratory system and skin. The study was carried out in a population of 17,600 employees of Huta im. T. Sendzimira (T. Sendzimir Steelworks) in 1992-96. During this period 543 employees were referred to the Occupational Diseases Department with a suspection of occupational allergy. Connection between the kind of occupation and disease was confirmed in 215 cases. 104 (48%) suffered from upper respiratory tract diseases or bronchial asthma and 111 patients (52%) suffered from allergic skin disease as contact dermatitis of the hand or generalized dermatitis. The analysis showed that allergic skin diseases occurred more frequently in 1992-94 and allergenic respiratory diseases were more frequent in 1995-96. Industrial dust containing metals (nickel, chrome, iron, cooper) turned out to be the main allergic factor. The highest prevalence was observed in the Rolling-Mill Department, Chemistry of Coke Department and Incombustible Materials Department. 33% of patients suffering from allergic respiratory diseases and 10% suffering from allergic skin diseases had a family predisposition to allergy (features of atopy).

Aged↗

PubMed2000

[Allergy to drugs].

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Drug Hypersensitivity↗

PubMed1999

[The efficacy of subterranean therapy in the salt chamber of Kinga Spa in Wieliczka for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis].

42 patients (27 women and 15 men aged 14-65 years) suffering from atopic and non atopic rhinitis were submitted for 24 days to the subterraneo-therapy in salt chambers of Kinga Spa in Wieliczka during the exacerbation of their illness. 20 patients suffered from pollen or dust mites allergy and the next 22 patients from non atopic rhinitis with recurrent nasal polyposis. In the first week and at the end of the therapy rhinoscopy, peak nasal inspiratory flow and smell were evaluated as well as daily symptoms score was noted in each treated patient. The results of performed observations indicate that unrelatively to the type of the rhinitis: 1. the nasal symptoms (running nose, sneezing, block of the nose) resolved directly during the stay of the patient in the salt chamber but the more constant effect was visible with the time of the therapy. 2. an increase in the peak nasal expiratory flow was connected with the decrease of nasal mucosal edema, 3. the smell disturbances disappeared in the patients together with the decrease of mucosal edema. The observed changes seem to be connected with the influence of the salt chambers' microclimate on the cells osmolarity disturbances in the nasal mucosa provoked by the non infectious chronic inflammation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Respiratory and skin diseases among school children in the industrial and rural regions].

The studies were done among the school-children in 3 grammar schools (2 in the industrial and 1 in rural regions). Allergological examination (anamnesis, physical exam and skin prick tests with inhalants) were performed among the pupils suspected of the allergic disorders on the basis of the questionnaire analysis made in all school-children. The results were compared to the environmental air pollution in the school region. The frequency (4.9-7%) and the type of the allergic diseases were similar in all 3 schools. The most frequent allergens were pollen, mites and animal epithelia. In rural region familial predisposition to allergy was 2 times higher in pupils suffering from allergy. 70% of pupils suffering from allergy in the industrial regions had no familial predisposition to allergy.

Allergens↗

PubMed1998

[Some clinical symptoms and allergens on asthma-prurigo syndrome].

The group of 146 patients suffering from asthma-prurigo syndrome (85 adults and 64 children) have been inquired in many various clinical centers. It was established that in 79.6% of the patients the first symptoms of illness appeared already in infancy and only 28.2% of the patients had negative familiar anamnesis on the allergy. In 73.2% of the patients with asthma-prurigo syndrome the symptoms of atopic dermatitis persisted longer than asthma symptoms and in 89.9% of them asthma-prurigo symptoms accompanied other form of allergic diseases. The most important causal allergens provoking asthma-prurigo symptoms were: house dust (in 64.4% of the patients), chocolate (in 42.2%), cat epithelia (in 40.2%) and cow milk proteins (in 29.5% of the patients).

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Changeability of respiratory tract and skin symptoms in patients with asthma-prurigo syndrome under the influence of emotional and environmental factors].

In a group of 228 patients suffering from asthma-prurigo syndrome the influence of emotional state, permanent residence and season time on dynamic of the clinical symptoms were studied. The evaluation of emotional state in 80 adult patients was carried-out by means of Eysenck Personality Inventory. The emotional state had less negative influence on the exacerbation of the symptoms upon children then in adults (especially on their skin symptoms). It was confirmed that the patients with high level of neurotic symptoms revealed easier the exacerbation of asthma and skin disorders under the influence of emotional stress. The climatic treatment on the sea-side was more efficient for them than any mountain climatic cure, especially in the treatment of airways symptoms. Similarly, the summer season brought the relief of their symptoms from both the respiratory and skin symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Latex allergy in health services workers].

The studies were performed in 20 workers from the Health Service (13 women and 7 men in the age 25-57) suffering from hand urticaria (6 persons) and hand dermatitis (14 persons) suspected of the allergy to latex gloves. In all patients the familial and personal predispositions to allergy were evaluated by the anamnesis, the estimation of total IgE serum level and the skin prick tests (SPT) with inhalant allergens. The latex allergy was diagnosed by SPT and contact test with standardized extract of the natural latex allergen in the concentration 1000 PNU/ml (Nexter-Allergopharma) and by estimation of specific to latex IgE serum level. In addition to this, contact tests with glove's material as well European standard contact allergens (Hermal) were done and the one with antiseptic substances to which the patient was exposed at his work. The allergy type I to latex gloves was confirmed in all 6 cases with contact urticaria. The SPT with standard extract of the natural latex was more valuable than latex specific IgE in the serum. Contact allergy (type IV) to latex gloves was confirmed in 10 from 14 suspected cases. In the next 4 the allergy to antiseptic substances was the reasons of the illness. The allergy to latex gloves appears more often in women. No case showed the familial predisposition to allergy and only 4 patients additionally suffered from the allergy to pollen and mites. Moreover in both groups of patients we showed the presence of the additional contact allergy to different allergens (to metals and antiseptic substances).

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Clinical characterization of "asthma-prurigo" syndrome with emphasis on risk factors].

In a group of 228 patients with Asthma-Prurigo syndrome in 82.5% of patients the onset of skin lesions was earlier than the onset of asthma. It was found that the early onset of atopic dermatitis suggests the greater probability of subsequent asthma. In 88.6% of patients also other allergic diseases were diagnosed, and rhinitis allergica was observed most frequently. In the investigated group of patients urticaria chronica idiopathica or physical urticarias were not observed. Among 228 patients with Asthma-Prurigo syndrome, 74.6% of patients pointed to house dust as one of the most frequent causative factors. The house dust similarly to other inhalant allergens, somewhat more frequently had influence on the course of atopic dermatitis than on the course of asthma. Contrary to this observation according to patients food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, chocolate) aggravated or induced the relapses of skin lesions much more frequently than asthma. It was shown how often patients noticed adverse reactions due to penicillin and sulphonamides.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Air pollution and pollen allergy.

Pollen allergy is the most typical form of allergic diseases. The increase in its frequency during recent years is most evident. The disease was rare when it was first described 150 years ago as summer hay fever. In 1876 Blackley wrote that the frequency of pollen allergy was increasing, especially in industrialized countries. Nowadays the prevalence of pollen allergy is well above 10%. Among the patients predominate the inhabitants of large cities, but not rural residents. Allergy develops as a result of multiple interactions between the human immune system and the environment. The current state of knowledge does not permit precision about the importance of genetic and environmental factors. It appears that although genetic control is very important, the environmental influences seem most important in determining the specific allergens to which a person will develop hypersensitivity. The adjuvant factors of the environment play an important role in the increasing problem of pollen allergy in large cities. Air pollution such as sulphur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, occupational dust, organic and inorganic suspended particulate matter, tobacco smoke, etc., can cause an increase in airway reactivity through mechanisms dependent on or independent of specific IgE antibodies. By irritating the airways and skin, pollen grain penetration into the human body can increase. Defective permeability of tissue surface can increase the risk of infection. Air pollution may also increase the development of pollen allergy through a direct influence on the pollen grains (on their enzymes, plant growth etc.). Lastly, the pollen grains may carry on their surfaces the various substances which are known as environmental allergens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Air Pollution↗

PubMed1989

[New possibilities of treating acute angioedema caused by C1-inhibitor deficiency].

The authors discuss diagnostic difficulties in 12 cases of hereditary angioneurotic edema due to C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH deficiency). Emphasis is on the treatment of the acute attacks with intravenous infusions of C1-inhibitor concentrate (Boehring, West Germany). This proved to be a very efficient and safe therapy, leading to a prompt disappearance of all clinical symptoms. Throughout 12 months following the infusions, indices of the liver function remained within the normal range, and anti-Hbs and anti-HIV tests were negative.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1988