title: Ragweed allergy: Pollen count and sensitization and allergy prevalence in two Italian allergy centers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ragweed allergy represents a challenge for allergists due to its increase in some geographic areas, mainly northern Italy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare two allergy centers in northern Italy by analyzing both the pollen count and the patient characteristics (sensitization and allergy prevalence) over a 10-year period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pollen counts for 10 years (2004-2013) were evaluated and compared in the two centers. Characteristics of patients who were sensitized and allergic to ragweed were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significantly higher pollen count in Busto Arsizio than in Novi Ligure (p < 0.001). The patients who were seen in the Busto Arsizio center showed more frequent sensitization (p < 0.01) and allergy (p < 0.05) to ragweed than patients who were seen in the Novi Ligure center. The pollen count was significantly (p < 0.01) associated with sensitization and allergy difference. Allergic asthma was more frequent (p < 0.05) in Busto Arsizio.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pattern of sensitization and allergy prevalence seemed to be associated with ragweed pollen pressure, such as quantity. The knowledge of the pollen count is relevant in clinical practice, mainly for the management of patients with allergy.
authors.affiliation: Allergy Department, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Imperiese, Italy.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ariano
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berra
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chiodini
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ortolani
authors.forename: Luigi Giovanni
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Cremonte
authors.forename: Maria Gabriella
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Mazzarello
authors.forename: Eugenia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Galdi
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Calosso
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciprandi