February 23, 2006	Thursday	Muharram 24, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: The health ministry on Wednesday asked the federal government hospitals to ensure availability of required services round the clock in view of the coming allergy season.

The hospitals have been directed to ensure that sufficient number of nebulizers and other required medicines are available for allergy residents of the capital to cope with expected heavy burden of pollen allergy cases.

Additional supplies of medicines may also be procured if required while the National Institute of Health (NIH) has been directed to take necessary measures accordingly.

The government has also advised the hospitals in the federal capital to take immediate steps as per Standard Operating Practices (SOP) for wide publication in the print and electronic media for the benefit of allergic residents.

The ministry is also embarking on a programme to educate public on preventive measures to be adopted in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has announced that pollen count for trees (paper mulberry) on Wednesday was high (277 per cubic metre of air), therefore individuals with sensitivity from pollens could experience allergy symptoms.

Similarly pollen counts for weeds (170) is low but many individuals with any sensitivity from pollens can have the same symptoms.

The total pollen count per cubic metre of air on Wednesday was 541 (Paper Mulberry 277-high, Grasses 170-high, Acacia 04- low, Alternaria 25-low, Eucalyptus 10-low, Cannabis 07-low, Pines 46-moderate and Dandelion 02-low).

During spring season, in Islamabad and its suburbs, there is an epidemic of pollen allergy which usually starts from mid- February and continues till the end of April every year.

Health professionals believe that about 10 to 12 per cent population of Islamabad is affected by pollen allergy and there may be one or two victims in every household.

Though a non-contagious seasonal illness, pollen allergy is increasing in intensity for the last 20 years and duration of allergy is mostly attributed to pollen count in the air.

Pollen allergy is mostly attributed to the pollens of male paper mulberry in Islamabad with other pollens of all the spring flowers.

Patients have been advised by health experts to avoid areas where flowers of plants especially male paper-mulberry shed excessive pollens or use a mask, a handkerchief, a wet towel or tissue while passing from areas with a heavy population of these trees.

Patients should also keep windows and doors of their houses closed, gargle thrice a day and wash face and nose repeatedly, avoid sour foods and drinks, avoid perfumes, sprays and air fresheners and dust furniture with a wet cloth. Likewise, carpets should either be vacuum-cleaned or removed during allergy season.