Daily pollen count to help asthma patients

New Delhi: In a big relief for patients with asthma and other respiratory disorders, Delhi University’s Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute has decided to issue daily count of pollens in the city.

It would be displayed at the hospital and their website so that people who are predisposed to allergy caused by pollens can take preventive measures.

Dr Raj Kumar, acting director of the institute, said pollens are fine powder that comes from the stamen of flowering plants. “They can trigger allergic reactions, such as runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches and asthma,” he said.

Studies show that three out every 10 people in Delhi and NCR suffer from allergy. Pollens act as a trigger to set off allergic reactions in many such patients.

Advance information about its count can help the vulnerable, Dr Kumar said. Many studies found that not only vehicular and industrial emissions but pollen grains, fungal spores, dust mites, insect debris and animal epithelial were also among major contributors causing allergies, breathing problems and respiratory disorders, he added.

Having a pollen count station could be instrumental, especially for people with asthma and other respiratory ailments as they can check the forecast and take preventive measures, like taking anti-histamines or staying indoors and minimise health risk, said Kumar.

A recent study found that 30% of the population reportedly suffers from one or the other allergic ailment and majority is not even aware what exactly is flaring up their condition and how to avoid it. As per the study, the pollen concentration starts increasing in the months of September, October and November.