Norwegian Birch Rust Allergy Study

This study investigates whether spores from birch rust fungi (Melampsoridium Betulinum = MB) may be the eliciting allergen in patients with seasonal airway allergy during autumn in North Norway. Patients with suspected allergy to MB are compared with non-allergic controls using data about allergic disease and daily allergic symptoms during autumn. Potential variations in allergic symptoms during season will be compared with spread of MB spores. Sensitation to MB and MB allergy are to be tested with skin prick test (SPT), measurements of spesific immunglobulin E (IgE) in serum, passive basophil activation test (pBAT) and nasal provocation test (NPT)

Inclusion Criteria:Self-reported symptoms of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, allergic asthma and/or exacerbation of eczema in the period from August to October.Exclusion Criteria:Perennial airway allergy without worsening of symptoms during autumn.Too long or inadequate distance from home to hospital/testcenter.More than 14 days of absence from Northern Norway during symptomregistration autumn 2022 (August 15 - September 30, 2022).Diseases with persistent manifestations that can interfere or be confused with airway allergic symptoms.Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.