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Asthmatics rejoice as Capital gets first pollen count station

The forecast and take preventive measures, like taking anti-histamines or staying indoors and minimising the health risk

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Delhi has got its first pollen count station to monitor the levels of airborne grass pollen. The station inaugurated at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute will benefit 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 minimising the health risk.

"Pollution apart, airborne pollen also has a major impact on our respiratory system. While much efforts towards raising awareness and education on impact of pollution on health are being made, effects of pollen on health of patients with respiratory disorders are not given its due importance, although it is affecting a significant number of patients. Having a pollen count station can be crucial for such patients, who would be able to check the pollen count status in the vicinity and take necessary steps to avoid exposure," said Dr Raj Kumar, Director (Acting), Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute.

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

According to the study, the maximum and minimum pollen count recorded in past years was in the month of September (4,805 pollens) and December (1,973 pollens), respectively. The pollen concentration starts increasing in the months of September, October, and November (282.65, 275.73, and 245.44 pollens/m3 /month) and starts declining December onward.

Experts say that for patients with respiratory problems and asthmatics, the pollen count would be an indispensable resource to help manage their symptoms and take precautionary measures. Many studies have also found that not only vehicular and industrial emissions, but pollen grains, fungal spores, dust mites, insect debris, and animal epithelial are also major contributors to allergies, breathing problems and respiratory disorders.

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