Delhi gets its first pollen count station

New Delhi: Here’s good news for asthmatics and people suffering from other respiratory diseases. To monitor levels of airborne grass pollen, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute opened a pollen count station in Delhi, the first one in Delhi-NCR.

Having a pollen count station can be instrumental patients can check the forecast and take preventive measures such as taking anti-histamines or staying indoors and minimise health risk.

A recent study found that 30 per cent of the population is reportedly suffering from one or the other allergic ailment and a majority is not even aware what exactly is flaring up their health condition and how to avoid it.

The maximum and minimum pollen counted for the year was in September (4,805 pollen) and December, (1,973 pollen), respectively. The pollen concentration starts increasing in the months of September, October and November (282.65, 275.73, and 245.44 pollens/m3 /months) and started declining in December.

Many studies have earlier said that not only the vehicular and industrial emissions, but pollen grains, fungal spores, dust mites, insect debris and animal epithelial are also amongst major contributors causing allergies, breathing problems and respiratory disorders.

Experts said that for patients with respiratory problems and asthmatics, the pollen count would be an indispensable resource to help manage their symptoms and protect their health.

An MoU has been signed between VPCI and department of allergy, University Klinikum Munster, Germany for research and exchange of patients with allergy. Experts believe collaboration will bring a radical change in management of respiratory disorders and help minimise the risk factor on patients.

To exchange knowledge on effects of allergens etc, 1st Indian summit on Allergy Diagnosis and Allergen Immunotherapy was held on Friday.