Breather for patients with respiratory issues: Delhi gets its first pollen count station

NEW DELHI: Patients with asthma and other respiratory disorders will soon heave a sigh of relief, as Delhi's Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) will open a pollen count station – the first station Delhi-NCR to monitor levels of airborne grass pollen.

Addressing the first 'Indian Summit on Allergy Diagnosis and Allergen Immunotherapy' on Friday, VPCI Director (Acting) Dr Raj Kumar said, "Airborne pollen can have a major impact on respiratory systems. While 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 being given much importance, even though it is affecting a significant number of patients."

"Having a pollen count station will be crucial for such patients as they beforehand can check pollen count status in the vicinity and take necessary steps to avoid exposure," he added. Many studies have found that in addition to vehicular and industrial emissions, pollen grains, fungal spores, dust mites, insect debris and animal epithelial are among the major contributors to allergies, breathing problems and respiratory disorders.

Experts believe that for asthmatics and patients suffering from respiratory problems, pollen count would be an indispensable resource to help them manage their symptoms and protect their health.

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

A study shows that the highest and lowest pollen count for 2017 were recorded was in September (4,805 pollen) and December (1,973 pollen), respectively.

Pollen concentration started rising in the September, October and November (282.65, 275.73, and 245.44 pollen/m3/month) and started declining in December.

VPCI will soon start issuing advisory related to pollen count to help respiratory patients.