This year, the pollen count was considerably low due to a series of rainfall in March.
ISLAMABAD: The onset of the spring season in the capital has become a threat for those suffering from the curse of pollen allergy. It is a hypersensitive body response of our immune system to pollen seeds of plants and trees. Paper mulberry is its major root cause. Patients sensitive to pollen suffer allergy, irritation, running nose, itchy eyes, headache, severe cough and breathing problems after exposure to these pollen particles, which are microscopic in size. Lack of governmental concern has resulted in an increase in mulberry trees in Bani Gala, Bara Kahu and other sectors of Islamabad. The lack of awareness and increased carelessness have also resulted in an increase in the number of pollen allergy patients in the last few years.
This year, the pollen count was considerably low due to a series of rainfall in March. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, pollen count in the air has reached 20,644 per cubic metres in Islamabad. The count may rise after the sunny and windy warm weather till the middle of April. All pollen allergy patients have been advised to wear allergy masks, avoid environmental exposure and take prescribed anti-allergy medicines. Nebulisation, inhalers, steroids dosage, bronchodilators and oxygen therapy have also been used regularly in emergency situations. Pollen vaccination within the season is not recommended due to its medical complications. All key hospitals in the capital have taken considerable anti-pollen measures by providing 24-hour services to pollen allergy patients. The Islamabad Administration Authority has also set up the 12th free relief camp for pollen allergy patients near the Aabpara Community Centre where senior doctors and specialists will examine patients free of cost.
Moreover, a technical committee would be established to study the causes of pollen allergy and to find its cure. The pollen allergy awareness campaign has been launched to deliver health lectures regarding precaution, prevention and cure of pollen allergy. Pamphlets will be distributed in most affected areas of the capital like sectors E-8, F-8, G-7, H-8 and I-10. Although the government has cut down many mulberry trees in the capital, serious and immediate remedial measures are required for a long-term solution to this grave problem.
Aymen Ijaz
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2014.
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