Weed Pollen Research Articles

Exploring the correlation between airborne pollen levels and respiratory conditions in Jaipur, India

ABSTRACT Airborne pollen, a significant natural pollutant, restricts outdoor activities and impacts quality of life for sensitive individuals with pulmonary disorders. This study examines trends in airborne pollen concentrations and explores whether air pollution, pollen concentration, or both impact patient counts. The annual pollen trend in Jaipur shows peaks in pollen concentration in March (due to trees, 66%), September (due to weeds, 45%), and December (due to grass, 50%). Among the fifteen taxa examined, Holoptelea integrifolia is the largest pollen emitter in Jaipur, followed by Poaceae, among others. The count of patients arriving for clinical consultations in a hospital shows a strong and positive correlation with weed (Asteraceae spp. and Argemone mexicana) and grass pollen. A linear regression equation is developed (R2 value = 0.835) for forecasting consulting patient counts based on Cassia siamea pollen concentration. This can assist hospital administration in resource management, especially during peak allergy seasons.

The role of pollen and NPP research in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Neolithic archaeological site “Gorjani-Topole” (Slavonia region, eastern Croatia)

The palynological study of eight samples from the Gorjani-Topole archaeological site was conducted with the aim of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. In total, 44 different palynomorphs were recorded: 12 pollen taxa, 23 fungal spores/remains, four algal cysts, one amoebae and four palynomorphs of unknown origin. Among the non-pollen palynomorphs, Chomotriletes (previously Pseudoschizaea) occurred with the greatest frequency and abundance. The low pollen richness accompanied by the presence of only a few sporopolleninrich pollen types indicates unfavourable preservation conditions in the analysed core samples. The dominance of erosion/desiccation indicators supports the scenario of significant oscillations of the hydrological level in the sediments, with periodic drying of the substrate. Although the interpretation of changes in plant cover, due to the reduced pollen spectrum, is not feasible, it is still possible to indicate paleoecological trends and partially interpret them, considering the indicator value of the few preserved palynomorphs. The findings of cultivated grass pollen (Cerealia) and other anthropogenic indicators including weed pollen (Convolvulus arvensis) are of great importance. Moreover, Riccia moss spores or fungal Epicoccum spores could also indicate the anthropogenic impact on the study area.

B-060 Prevalence of CCD and profilins antibodies in a seasonal allergy study

Abstract Background Allergen sources are complex and heterogeneous mixtures of proteins, which may contain from innocuous IgE-binding structures such as CCDs (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants), which are not associated with symptoms, to a panallergen such as profilin, which is associated with multiple sensitizations to pollen and pollen-food-latex syndromes. CCDs are present in many plant and animal allergens and cause strong cross-reactivity due to the high similarity of their structure. They complicate the interpretation of positive in vitro diagnostic results because they do not associate symptomatology and, thats why, the determination of specific IgE antibodies against CCDs can provide useful information when positive IgE results are not consistent with the clinical picture. Profilins are ubiquitous proteins present in all eukaryotic cells and identified as allergens in pollen, latex and plant foods. The highly conserved structure explains the cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies against plant profilins and their designation as panallergens. As a panallergen, profilin is associated with multiple pollen sensitization and pollen-food-latex syndromes that the allergist must be aware of for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of allergic diseases. We intend to evaluate the prevalence of these two markers with a new diagnostic tool, since profilins and CCDs are the substances most likely to cause in vitro cross-reactivity. Methods In our study 8,242 adults who presented rhinoconjunctivitis and visited their primary care center were included. The samples were analyzed in serum samples which were routinely processed in our laboratory with the EUROLINE Mediterranean Inhalation 2 (IgE) assay from Euroimmun® from February to July 2023, according to the manufacturer’s protocols. Patients with specific IgE levels ≥ 0.35 kU/L were identified as sensitized to allergen. Results A total of 8,242 patients were enrolled in this study, 5,173 women and 3,069 men, ranging in age from 15 to 65 years. Of these, 279 patients (3.39%) had antibodies against CCD, 570 (6.92%) antibodies against profilins and 183 (2.22%) had both. A higher prevalence of these antibodies was observed in men (CCD, n = 168, 5.47%; Profilins, n = 308, 10.04%) than in women (CCD, n = 111, 2.15%; Profilins, n = 262, 5.06%). Both markers were more frequently found in the presence of specific IgE antibodies to grass and weed pollens. Conclusions The possibility of detecting the presence of IgE antibodies against CCD and panallergenic profilins is useful to detect cross-reactivity in vitro, which could explain the differences found between laboratory results and patients' symptoms, helping the allergist to make a diagnosis with greater certainty and accuracy.

Diagnostic Workup in IgE-Mediated Allergy to Asteraceae Weed Pollen and Herbal Medicine Products in Europe.

Anemophilous weeds from the Asteraceae family are highly allergenic and represent a significant source of aeroallergens in late summer and autumn. Ragweed and mugwort pollen allergies have become a significant health burden in Europe. Some people with respiratory allergies to weed pollen may also suffer hypersensitivity reactions to herbal medicines obtained from certain cross-reactive plants in the Compositae family, such as chamomile, marigold, and purple coneflower. General physicians, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, and pulmonologists need to be familiar with the diagnostic tests used by allergists in clinical practice to support accurate diagnosis in such patients. Allergists must also be aware of the suggestions of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s Herbal Medicinal Products Committee and the broad spectrum of herbal therapies to educate their patients about potential risks.

STUDIES ON THE POLLEN MORPHOLOGY OF SOME WEEDY FLORA OF NIZAMABAD DISTRICT OF TELANGANA STATE, INDIA

The present work is aimed to study the pollen morphology of weed plants by light microscopy (LM). Polleniferous material of eight weed plants viz., Mimosa pudica, Cleome viscosa, Tribulus terrestris, Lantana camara, Commelina benghalensis, Ziziphus mauritiana, Cardiospermum halicacabum and Datura stramonium were collected from in and around agricultural lands of Nizamabad district, Telangana, India during 2022-2023.The pollen features viz., shape, apertures and the sporoderm pattern was studied. The pollen grains studied showed spheroidal, sub- prolate, eu-oblate, oblate-spheroidal, oblate to per oblate shape. The apertural diversity include tricolporate, triporate, pantoporate and monosulcate condition. The Exine ornamentation is indicated by psilate in three species, striate in two, reticulate in another two species and one species possess microechinate pattern. The diversity in pollen features are helpful in the identification of the taxa at various levels. This study highlights the some of the common weed pollen morphological features useful to distinguish the species of weeds.

Food-Pollen Cross-Reactivity and its Molecular Diagnosis in China.

Plant-derived foods are one of the most common causative sources of food allergy in China, with a significant relationship to pollinosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this food-pollen allergy syndrome and its molecular allergen diagnosis to better understand the cross-reactive basis. Food-pollen cross-reactivity has been mainly reported in Northern China, Artemisia pollen is the major related inhalant source, followed by tree pollen (Betula), while grass pollen plays a minor role. Pollen allergy is relatively low in Southern China, with allergies to grass pollen being more important than weed and tree pollens. Rosaceae fruits and legume seeds stand out as major related allergenic foods. Non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) has been found to be the most clinically relevant cross-reacting allergenic component, able to induce severe reactions. PR-10, profilin, defensin, chitinase, and gibberellin-regulated proteins are other important cross-reactive allergen molecules. Artemisia pollen can induce allergenic cross-reactions with a wide range of plant-derived foods in China, and spring tree pollens (Betula) are also important. nsLTP found in both pollen and plant-derived food is considered the most significant allergen in food pollen cross-reactivity. Component-resolved diagnosis with potential allergenic proteins is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy and predict the potential risk of causing allergic symptoms.

Airborne pollen exposure and risk of hospital admission for allergic rhinitis in Beijing: A time-stratified case-crossover study.

Airborne pollen is a crucial risk factor in allergic rhinitis (AR). The severity of AR symptoms can vary based on pollen type and concentration. This study aimed to estimate the association between exposure to different pollen types and AR risk. We obtained data from patients admitted to the Beijing Tongren Hospital for AR, and data on pollen concentration, meteorological factors, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 13 districts in Beijing from 2016 to 2019. We used a time-stratified case-crossover study design and calculated odds ratios (ORs) related to the risk of AR associated with a 10 grain/1000mm2 increase in total pollen concentrations for specific pollen types. A stratified analysis was conducted to assess whether the associations were varied by age and sex. The OR of AR associated with a 10 grain/1000mm2 increase in the 7-day average pollen concentration was 1.014 (95% CI: 1.014, 1.015), 1.076 (95% CI: 1.070, 1.082), 1.024 (95% CI: 1.023, 1.025), 1.042 (95% CI: 1.039, 1.045), 1.142 (95% CI: 1.137, 1.147), 1.092 (95% CI: 1.088, 1.097), 1.046 (95% CI: 1.035, 1.058), and 1.026 (95% CI: 1.024, 1.028) for total pollen, Ulmus, Cupressaceae, Populus, Fraxinus, Pinus, Betula, and Artemisia, respectively. Both tree pollen (Ulmus, Cupressaceae, Populus, Fraxinus, Betula, and Pinus) and weed pollen (Artemisia, Chenopodium, and Humulus) were correlated with an increased risk of AR. These associations remained consistent across distinct subgroups defined by both age and sex. Exposure to pollen from trees and weeds might be associated with an increased risk of AR. This research provides valuable scientific support for both clinical practitioners and patients with AR regarding the hazards of pollen exposure.

A Review on Nano Herbicides: The Future of Weed Management

Weeds pose significant challenges to global agricultural productivity, with India alone experiencing annual losses of $11 billion due to weed infestations, despite the extensive use of herbicides. The drawbacks of conventional herbicide formulations contribute to their suboptimal performance. Rotating herbicides and use of appropriate mixtures are two key approaches to suppress the weed floral shift and resistance development to herbicide in weeds. Doubts persist regarding the effectiveness of these herbicides, prompting the exploration of more efficient control methods. Using lower amounts of herbicides is preferred because it decreases the lasting impact of herbicide residues in agricultural regions and their environmental toxicity. Nano herbicides can facilitate the efficient transport of herbicides to weed plants, thereby minimizing the buildup of residues in the soil. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising avenue for herbicide development, offering 'Smart herbicides' with heightened effectiveness and reduced application volumes. Nano herbicides employ innovative mechanisms, effectively depleting weed seed banks, degrading germination inhibitors, and facilitating gradual herbicide release. Techniques like damaging weed pollen grains and utilising carbon nanotubes demonstrate inventive approaches to seed bank depletion. Controlled release formulations ensure prolonged and efficient weed suppression while minimising environmental impact. Moreover, incorporating metal ions accelerates herbicide residue degradation, mitigating environmental persistence. Enhanced plant growth with nano herbicide application emphasizes their potential as sustainable weed control solutions. However, further research is essential to ensure their safety and efficacy before widespread adoption in commercial agriculture, addressing potential risks associated with their application. Introducing nano herbicides signifies a significant advancement in sustainable weed management practices, promising a future where agricultural productivity can be safeguarded against weed infestations.

The Joint Effects of Thunderstorms and Power Outages on Respiratory-Related Emergency Visits and Modifying and Mediating Factors of This Relationship.

While limited studies have evaluated the health impacts of thunderstorms and power outages (POs) separately, few have assessed their joint effects. We aimed to investigate the individual and joint effects of both thunderstorms and POs on respiratory diseases, to identify disparities by demographics, and to examine the modifications and mediations by meteorological factors and air pollution. Distributed lag nonlinear models were used to examine exposures during three periods (i.e., days with both thunderstorms and POs, thunderstorms only, and POs only) in relation to emergency department visits for respiratory diseases (2005-2018) compared to controls (no thunderstorm/no PO) in New York State (NYS) while controlling for confounders. Interactions between thunderstorms and weather factors or air pollutants on health were assessed. The disparities by demographics and seasons and the mediative effects by particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter () and relative humidity (RH) were also evaluated. Thunderstorms and POs were independently associated with total and six subtypes of respiratory diseases in NYS [highest risk ratio (RR) = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.17], but the impact was stronger when they co-occurred (highest RR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.70), especially during grass weed, ragweed, and tree pollen seasons. The stronger thunderstorm/PO joint effects were observed on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, bronchitis, and asthma (lasted 0-10 d) and were higher among residents who lived in rural areas, were uninsured, were of Hispanic ethnicity, were 6-17 or over 65 years old, and during spring and summer. The number of comorbidities was significantly higher by 0.299-0.782/case. Extreme cold/heat, high RH, , and ozone concentrations significantly modified the thunderstorm-health effect on both multiplicative and additive scales. Over 35% of the thunderstorm effects were mediated by and RH. Thunderstorms accompanied by POs showed the strongest respiratory effects. There were large disparities in thunderstorm-health associations by demographics. Meteorological factors and air pollution levels modified and mediated the thunderstorm-health effects. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13237.

Oral allergy syndrome to kohlrabi in a patient with IgE sensitization to a weed pollen non-specific lipid transfer protein

Oral allergy syndrome to kohlrabi in a patient with IgE sensitization to a weed pollen non-specific lipid transfer protein

Weeds of Asteraceae along the Agricultural tracts of Nizamabad District of Telangana State – A Palynological Observation

Of the ongoing work on weed pollen morphology and phytochemical analysis, the present paper deals with the pollen morphological studies of weed plants investigated by light microscopy (LM). A morpho-palynological study of ten species of weeds that belongs to the Asteraceae family was carried out to document distinguishable microscopic features. The main objective of the present study was to provide basic knowledge about pollen morphological features of weed species of Asteraceae that help delimit the weed flora of the agricultural tracts of the Nizamabad district of Telangana state. The results show diversity among the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of pollen shape, symmetry, apertural pattern, and exine surface ornamentation. The pollen grains are spheroidal, prolate, sub-prolate, oblate and sub-oblate. Almost all species possess tricolporate apertural pattern except Blumea lacera, which pollen is tetracolporate. The Exine ornamentation in most species is tectate, echinate. The variations found in the pollen shape, apertural pattern, thickness and ornamentation of the exine and other characters were helpful at the genus and species-specific levels. This study provides baseline information to distinguish the species of weeds.

Allergen immunotherapy for rare allergens

Among allergies to aeroallergens, approximately 20% are allotted to the so-called rare allergens. These include ash pollen, weed pollen, storage mites, molds, and animal allergens. The prevalences of allergies to these allergens are lower, but affected patients also suffer considerably from their "rare" allergy. Hence, these allergies should neither be overseen nor completely forgotten in daily practice. Especially mold, mite, and animal allergens often induce asthma, so that the significance of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) should not be neglected in causal therapy. This work summarizes the current state of knowledge on the groups of rare aeroallergens in terms of characteristics, prevalences, and data on AIT. It is based on asystematic literature search performed in the MEDLINE (PubMed®) and Google Scholar databases. AIT preparations for rare allergens are classified as individual formulations and are not subject to the German Therapy Allergen Ordinance. Due to the low case numbers, the levels of evidence for these formulations are not as high as those for dust mites, grass, or birch pollen, but exhibit good efficacy in practical experience.

Incidence of grass and weed sensitization in Bangkok, Thailand: a clinical study.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent public health concern globally, significantly impacting quality of life. In Thailand, the prevalence of AR is rising, with grass and weed pollen identified as primary outdoor triggers. This study aimed to (1) assess patterns of pollen sensitization in Thai AR patients and (2) investigate correlations between demographics/clinical data and SPT results. A total of 121 individuals aged ≥18 years with clinically diagnosed AR were recruited. Skin prick testing (SPT) was performed using a panel of commonly encountered tropical grass and weed pollen extracts. SPT wheal sizes and clinical symptom scores were recorded. Correlations between SPT outcomes and symptom scores were analyzed. Among the participants, 104 (85.95%) exhibited positive SPT reactions to at least one pollen type. Nutsedge (76/121), para grass (57/121), and Bermuda grass (48/121) were the most frequently identified allergens. Hurricane grass elicited the strongest reaction, evidenced by the highest average wheal size (6.2 mm). Poly-sensitization was observed in 77 (63.6%) of the SPT-positive individuals, with most cases involving two different pollen extracts (35/77). Notably, AR severity positively correlated with both average wheal size and the number of positive SPT tests. This study highlights nutsedge, para grass, and Bermuda grass as major allergenic pollen sources for Thai AR patients. Including nutsedge, hurricane grass, and careless weed in clinical SPT panels is recommended for improved diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the positive correlation between AR severity and pollen reaction strength emphasizes the importance of implementing patient education and avoidance strategies.

Outdoor aeroallergen impacts on asthma exacerbation among sensitized and nonsensitized Philadelphia children

Outdoor aeroallergens, such as pollens and molds, are known triggers of asthma exacerbation; however, few studies have examined children's aeroallergen response based on sensitization. Our aim was to compare the relative impact of aeroallergen levels on asthma exacerbation between pediatric patients with asthma who tested positive or negative for sensitization to particular allergens. A case-crossover design study was conducted to examine associations between outdoor aeroallergen levels and asthma exacerbation events among children living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who were treated within a large pediatric care network. Sensitization to common allergens was characterized in a subset of patients with asthma exacerbation who had undergone skin prick testing (5.5%). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated in all patients with asthma exacerbation and in those sensitized or not sensitized to aeroallergens. Children who were sensitized to a particular allergen had higher odds of asthma exacerbation with exposure to the allergen (ie, early-season tree pollen, oak tree pollen, early-season weed pollen, and late-season molds) than did all patients with asthma or nonsensitized patients. For example, the association between early-season tree pollen and asthma exacerbation among sensitized children (>90th percentile vs ≤25th, OR= 2.28 [95% CI= 1.23-4.22]) was considerably stronger than that estimated among all patients (OR= 1.34 [95% CI= 1.19-1.50]), and it was also substantially different from the lack of association seen among nonsensitized children (OR= 0.89 [95% CI= 0.51-1.55] [P value for heterogeneity= .03]). More prevalent allergy testing may be useful for prevention of asthma exacerbation by informing interventions targeted to sensitized children and tailored for particular aeroallergens.

Prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization in children in Northern China

Objective This study aimed to analyze the sensitization rate of different aeroallergens in children of different age, sex, and disease groups, describe the changing trend of different aeroallergens in different ages, and analyze the sensitization risk factors for asthma. Methods Children (<18 years old) with suspected atopic diseases who visited the Department of Allergy of Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics and underwent a skin prick test (SPT) were retrospectively enrolled from January 2019 to November 2021. Results A total of 5465 patients (3514 boys, 1951 girls; mean age, 7 ± 3 years) were enrolled. Of them, 3703 patients (67.8%) were sensitized to at least one aeroallergen. Before 4 years of age, mold was the most prevalent aeroallergen (103/380 [27.1%]), whereas after 4 years of age, weed pollen was the most prevalent aeroallergen. After 6 years of age, tree pollen became the second most prevalent aeroallergen. After 12 years of age, the sensitization rate of indoor aeroallergens was lower than that of outdoor aeroallergens. Logistic regression showed that sensitization to mold (odds ratio [OR]:1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–1.7, p < 0.001), animal dander (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4–1.9, p < 0.001), and polysensitization (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–1.8, p = 0.038) were potential sensitization risk factors for asthma. Conclusions Mold is an important allergen in early life. Different kinds of allergens affect different age groups. Patients who are sensitized to mold or animal dander or experience polysensitization should be carefully monitored for asthma risk.

Acute exposure to pollen and airway inflammation in adolescents.

Pollen exposure is known to exacerbate allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms, yet few studies have investigated if exposure to pollen affects lung function or airway inflammation in healthy children. We evaluated the extent to which higher pollen exposure was associated with differences in airway inflammation and lung function among 490 early adolescent participants (mean age of 12.9 years) in Project Viva, a prebirth cohort based in Massachusetts. We obtained regional daily total pollen counts, including tree, grass, and weed pollen, from a Rotorod pollen counter. We evaluated associations of 3- and 7-day moving averages of pollen with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and lung function using linear regression models and evaluated the linearity of associations with penalized splines. We tested if associations of pollen with FeNO and lung function were modified by current asthma diagnosis, history of allergic rhinitis, aeroallergen sensitivity, temperature, precipitation, and air pollution. Three- and 7-day median pollen concentrations were 19.0 grains/m3 (IQR: 73.4) and 20.9 grains/m3 (IQR: 89.7). In main models, higher concentrations of total pollen over the preceding 3 and 7 days were associated with a 4.6% (95% CI:0.1,9.2) and 7.4% (95% CI: 0.9,14.3) higher FeNO per IQR of pollen, respectively. We did not find associations of pollen with lung function in main models. Asthma, allergic rhinitis, precipitation, and air pollution (nitrogen dioxide and ozone) modified associations of pollen with lung function (Pinteraction < 0.1), while temperature, sex, and aeroallergen sensitization did not. Short-term exposure to pollen was associated with higher FeNO in early adolescents, even in the absence of allergic sensitization and asthma.

Variation in pollen load composition carried by wild bee species in native and nearby agricultural environments in south‐eastern Australia

Abstract Understanding the mechanisms by which wild bees survive in modified landscapes is important for their conservation and management as pollinators. Pollen is a critical resource for the completion of bee life cycles, so we investigated how the pollen loads carried by native bee communities change between natural forests and farms dominated by exotic crops and weeds in an agricultural region of south‐east Australia. We found that individual bees tended to carry higher proportions of exotic pollen on farms compared with forests (after accounting for whether they were captured on exotic or native flowers), and the diversity of pollen carried by bees did not differ significantly between native forest and farm sites or along native forest cover gradients. This suggests that the native bees found on farms, which are predominantly different species compared with those found in native forests, are not disadvantaged by the dominance of exotic plants in these habitats (though impacts on larval nutrition were not investigated). While some native bees carried crop pollen, others almost exclusively carried the pollen of agricultural weeds (e.g., Arctotheca and Brassica species), such that some native bee species may pollinate and benefit from crops, whereas others may only persist on farms if agricultural weeds are tolerated.

Study of the therapeutic management of pollen allergy and assessment of quality of life of patients at Bengaluru Allergy Centre

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pollen is one of the most common triggers of an allergy or hay fever. It is a fine yellowish powder that fertilizes other plants and is carried by the wind, birds, insects, or other animals. Between 10% and 40% of the Indian population has a pollen allergy which makes it one of the most common outdoor allergies in the country. In Bengaluru, 20% of allergies are caused by pollens – Parthenium, Amaranthus spinosus, Prosopis juliflora, and Ricinus communis. AIMS: The aim was to study the therapeutic management of patients who are allergic to pollen at Bengaluru Allergy Centre and assessment of the quality of life (QOL) of patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was a prospective, interventional study conducted at Bengaluru Allergy Centre. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Both male and female patients who have had chronic allergic rhinitis (CH AR) and also CH AR with other comorbidities and who have been taking treatment for more than 6 months are involved. The data were collected from case records of patients in the data collection form. Questionnaires were used to assess the QOL, and counseling was done to the pollen allergy patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A paired t-test was done using SPSS software for analyzing the P value, simple descriptive graphs, and pie charts, and the percentage was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study where 26 were male and 34 were female. The maximum number of patients was affected with weed pollen. Cynodon dactylon (13.97%) is the major sensitivity seen in patients. Sneezing, running nose, and itchy eyes are commonly seen in patients with AR due to pollens. The classification of AR with other comorbidities is CH AR (78.33%), CH AR + ANB (10%), CH AR + urticaria (6.66%), and CH AR + AD (5%). Patients’ symptoms were persistent at day (5%), night (8.33%), and both day and night (86.66%), whereas symptom severity in Bengaluru amounted to 41.66%, other than Bengaluru 16.66%, and both in and out of Bengaluru 41.66%. In Bengaluru Allergy Centre (BAC), the main treatment given is sublingual immunotherapy, nasal spray, vitamin supplements, pre- and probiotics, and influenza vaccine. Nasal and eye symptoms are commonly seen in patients with AR due to pollen, and QOL factors that significantly impacted were productivity at home/work, mental concentration, reading books or newspapers, outdoor life (e.g., sports and picnics), going out, visiting friends or relatives, sleeping, and tiredness. A decrease in the symptoms and an increase in the QOL were achieved by proper patient counseling and treatment. There is a significant reduction in symptom scores after the intervention. The intervention has a significant effect in reducing the symptom scores (t = 17.99, P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that intervention by clinical pharmacists by way of patient counseling can help improve the reduction of symptoms and QOL of patients.

Changes in Sensitization Rate to Inhalation Allergy in Busan Area Over Past 40 Years

Background and Objectives This study analyzed skin prick tests conducted on respiratory allergy patients in the Busan area for a 40-year period and estimated future changes in inhaled allergens.Subjects and Method This study conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent skin prick tests for respiratory allergies at two hospitals. We analyzed 5942 test results out of the total tests of 6174 recorded from 1982 to 2021.Results For over 40 years, the main inhalant allergens in the Busan area, including house dust mites (HDM), pollen, have been found to be similar to those in other regions. The sensitization rate of HDM was very high, around 50%-60%, in the early 1990s and the early 2010s, and it showed a gradual increase over time. The sensitization rate of pollen were high at 10- year cycles. The sensitization rate of tree pollens showed a decreasing trend after reaching its peak in the late 1980s, but has been steadily increasing since the 2010s, with a sharp rise (over 25%) observed in 2019-2020. The sensitivity to weed and grass pollens was relatively high in the late 1990s and late 2000s, and exhibited a declining trend since. Among the animal allergens, the sensitization rate of cat allergen was the highest (45%).Conclusion We identified high rates of sensitization to house dust mites and tree pollens, and age-related changes over time. With the increasing prevalence of pet ownership, further research is necessary to monitor sensitization changes. Additionally, due to climate change, continuous monitoring of allergen sensitization rates to pollens and molds is called for.

Investigation and analysis of airborne allergenic pollen in 4 districts and 5 counties of Hohhot City

Objective: To investigate the species, concentration and seasonal trends of main airborne allergenic pollen in 4 districts and 5 counties of Hohhot City. Methods: The Department of allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University conducted a cross-sectional study about monitoring the airborne allergenic pollen from August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022 by the gravitational method in 4 districts and 5 counties of Hohhot City, which include Yuquan District, Xincheng District, Huimin District, Saihan District, Tuoketuo County, Helingeer County, Tumotezuoqi County, Wuchuan County and Qingshuihe County. Daily pollens were counted and identified by optical microscopy, and the data were analyzed. Results: The airborne allergenic pollen was collected every month all year round in 4 districts and 5 counties of Hohhot city. Through the whole year of the total quantity of pollens ranged from 24 850 to 50 154 grains per 1 000 mm2 and two peaks of pollen concentration in air were observed,which happened in spring (from March to May) and in summer and autumn (from July to September). In spring, the main pollens were tree pollens, which principally distributed in Populus pollen (18.29%), Ulmus pollen (8.36%), Pinus pollen (6.20%), Cupressaceae pollen (5.23%), Betulaceae pollen (2.73%), Salix pollen (1.80%) and Quercus pollen (1.16%). In summer and autumn, the main pollens were weed pollens, which mainly included Artemisia pollen (42.73%), Chenopodiaceae pollen or Amaranthaceae pollen (7.46%), Poaceae pollen (2.26%), Humulus pollen or Cannabis pollen (0.60%). Conclusion: There were two peaks of main airborne allergenic pollen in 4 districts and 5 counties of Hohhot City. In the spring peak of pollen, the main airborne pollens were tree pollens. In the summer and autumn peak of pollen, the main airborne pollens were weed pollens. The Artemisia pollen was the most major airborne pollen in this area.