CompletedNot Applicable

Tromsø Birch Rust Allergy Study. Allergy to Birch Rust, a Possible Explanation to Seasonal Airway Allergy During Autumn?

Norway48 participantsStarted 2020-08-01

Plain-language summary

In this project we study if 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. Daily spread of MB spores are compared with daily variations in allergic symptoms. Sensitization to MB and MB allergy are tested with skin prick test, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum, nasal provocation test and basophil activation test (BAT).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Self reported seasonal airway allergic symptoms during autumn Exclusion Criteria: * Perennial airway allergic symptoms without worsening during autumn

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1This study looked at whether birch rust fungi — not just birch pollen — might be causing seasonal airway allergy symptoms in autumn; could my autumn allergy symptoms actually be triggered by a fungal source like birch rust rather than the pollens I've already been tested for?
2Since this trial is completed, has my doctor seen or read any of its findings, and what did it conclude about whether birch rust allergy is a real and testable condition?
3The study was based in Tromsø, Norway, where birch rust fungi are likely common — does birch rust actually grow in my area, and would it be relevant to my specific allergy profile?
4Is there currently a standard clinical test available to check for sensitivity to birch rust fungi, or is this still something only being explored in a research setting?
5If birch rust fungi could be contributing to my autumn symptoms, would knowing that change my treatment plan or the allergy shots or medications I'm currently being offered?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Allergy to Birch rust fungi

Timeframe: 1st of August to 15th of October 2020

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04322838

SponsorUniversity Hospital of North Norway

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-16

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hypersensitivity, Immediate trials