Sir: Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies in every spring. Plants release fine yellowish powder to fertilize other plant of the same species. These pollen grains travel from plant to plant by the wind. Normally human immune system defends the body against harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses but these grains are being inhaled by mean of wind people get allergic.
In Pakistan, Islamabad and Lahore Cantonment have the largest pollen release plants and such plants are Paper mulberry, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Pine, Grasses, Cannabis, Dandelion and Alternaria. From these Pollens estimated 97 percent come from Paper mulberry. The pollen count in Islamabad was at its highest peak in previous nine years. Allergies could be controlled through medication but prevention is better than cure. People who allergic to it have to take some preventive steps which may helpful to them, limited outdoor activities when pollen count is high, avoid unnecessary travels, wear filter masks to avoid the dust in the air and take allergy vaccine before pollen season begin. Media should also give some information about these diseases when these seasons are active.
MARIA SHAUKAT
Islamabad