Abstract
This study presents the findings of a 10-year survey carried out by the Portuguese Aerobiology Network (RPA) at seven pollen-monitoring stations: five mainland stations (Oporto, Coimbra, Lisbon, Evora and Portimao) and two insular stations [Funchal (Madeira archipelago) and Ponta Delgada (Azores archipelago)]. The main aim of the study was to examine spatial and temporal variations in the Annual Pollen Index (API) with particular focus on the most frequently recorded pollen types. Pollen monitoring (2003–2012) was carried out using Hirst-type volumetric spore traps, following the minimum recommendations proposed by the European Aerobiology Society Working Group on Quality Control. Daily pollen data were examined for similarities using the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test and multivariate regression trees. Simple linear regression analysis was used to describe trends in API. The airborne pollen spectrum at RPA stations is dominated by important allergenic pollen types such as Poaceae, Olea and Urticaceae. Statistically significant differences were witnessed in the API recorded at the seven stations. Mean API is higher in the southern mainland cities, e.g. Evora, Lisbon and Portimao, and lower in insular and littoral cities. There were also a number of significant trends in API during the 10-year study. This report identifies spatial and temporal variations in the amount of airborne pollen recorded annually in the Portuguese territory. There were also a number of significant changes in API, but no general increases in the amount of airborne pollen.
Highlights
IgE-associated allergic diseases are increasing in prevalence and severity globally (Bousquet et al 2011) and are becoming the most frequent chronic disease in the European Union (Zuberbier et al 2014)
3.1 Spatial variations in the airborne pollen spectrum recorded at monitoring stations in Portugal
The results of a decade of pollen monitoring performed by the Portuguese Aerobiology Network have shown that there are notable differences in the spectrum of airborne pollen recorded at the seven stations
Summary
IgE-associated allergic diseases are increasing in prevalence and severity globally (Bousquet et al 2011) and are becoming the most frequent chronic disease in the European Union (Zuberbier et al 2014). In Portugal, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) showed an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms in children, in the 13- to 14-year age group (Asher et al 2006). The inhalation of pollen allergens induces respiratory allergy symptoms in sensitized individuals, clinically manifested as rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma (Gioulekas et al 2004). Sensitization rates to pollen allergens have been reported to range between 5.1% (cypress pollen) and 34.4% (grass pollen) (Burbach et al 2009)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
