HEALTH IMPACT OF AMBROSIA ARTEMISIIFOLIA REFLECTED BY ALLERGISTS PRACTICE IN ROMANIA. A QUESTIONNAIRE -BASED SURVEY.

Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) is an invasive weed with pollen representing one of the most potent seasonal aeroallergenes. Romania is considered a ragweed infested country, based on field observations performed in different regions, pollen counts done in the West region and some clinical reports from allergists in the West and South parts. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the situation of allergies induced by Ambrosia artemisiifolia from the perspective of allergists practice in Romania and to draw some conclusions regarding consequences and possible measures to reduce this burden. The study was based on a questionnaire addressed to allergists attending the national annual allergology conference in 2013. The answers showed that part of the allergists are aware of the importance of allergies induced by Ambrosia pollen. We concluded that research projects in this field, application of eradication measures and public information are important for increase awareness of people about health impact of Ambrosia pollen in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]