ISLAMABAD: Residents in Islamabad have started voicing concerns over the onset of pollen season, citing allergic reactions such as mild headache and irritated throats.

The Meteorological Department has identified paper mulberry trees as a significant contributor to these symptoms.

In its daily monitoring report, it said pollen count from paper mulberry was 560 particles per cubic volume of air. Other culprit species were pine trees with pollen count of 139 per cubic volume of air and grasses with pollen count 63 per cubic volume of air.

The overall pollen count from all species was as high as 845 per cubic volume of air on Sunday, the first day of the pollen season.

Expert says allergy patients should avoid outdoor activities, wear masks, especially in morning

The pollen season starts in mid-March and could continue till the end of April, peaking in between. Pollen count has been recorded to be as high as 45,000 per cubic volume of air in the past between March and April, said Dr M. Afzaal, who is director research and development at the Meteorology Department in Islamabad.

Dr Afzaal cautioned that dry conditions and windiness in the coming week would be conducive for spread of pollen significantly.

According to the official, pollen count was highest around Zero Point, H-8 and H-9 sectors and the Srinagar Highway, where paper mulberry was found in significant concentration. The spiky structure of pollen from paper mulberry resembled the coronavirus.

“It irritates the nose once inhaled, gives patients red and watery eyes, causes wheezing and breathing problems,” he said.

As normal rains are expected in March, the spell would bring with it some relief, maybe for a day or two, he said, adding, “But rains also increase the size of pollen.

It is best that allergy patients follow doctor’s advice, avoid outdoor activities and wear masks, especially at around 10am when pollen count is highest as it rises in the air. Pollen count subsides at night when temperature drops.“

Pollen allergy has been a federal capital specific concern, he said. People did not suffer from pollen allergies on the outskirts of Islamabad. Although pollen is not a serious problem in F-10 and G-10, the Met Department will start monitoring these sectors from Monday, the official said. Pollen allergies in Rawalpindi were insignificant, he said.

March and April were not the only two months when the number of allergy patients increased. In July, allergies increased and patients suffered running noses and sneezing for a day or two, Dr Afzaal said, adding humidity also caused allergies in patients who were sensitive.

He said vaccination gave 50/50 relief, working fine for some patients while not suiting others.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2024