About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Airborne Grass Pollen Can Help Predict Hay Fever, Asthma Risk

by Adeline Dorcas on April 10, 2019 at 11:22 AM
Font : A-A+

Airborne Grass Pollen Can Help Predict Hay Fever, Asthma Risk

Grass pollen is the world's most harmful outdoor aeroallergen that increases the risk of developing a wide range of allergic reactions.

The presence of different strains of grass pollen in the atmosphere can help predict when hay fever and asthma could strike, researchers have found.

Advertisement


A team led by the University of Queensland (UQ) researchers, tracked grass pollen for seasonal variations and found it was released into the atmosphere later in areas further from the equator.

"Using this method, we may be able to better predict when allergenic pollen is present and allow people affected by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rhinitis to more effectively manage their condition," said Nicholas Osborne, Associate Professor at UQ's School of Public Health.
Advertisement

"(And) with the advent of personalized medicine, more and more people are becoming aware of which allergen is responsible for their allergy," Osborne said.

He said the research would help allergy sufferers prepare for the hay fever season and doctors to prescribe more personalized treatments.

"People who fail to manage their asthma are at greater risk of asthma attack and being forced to visit hospital emergency departments," Osborne said.

"Having a more accurate forecast of when a patient is at risk will allow people to better manage their disease."

Scientists hope to expand on the research to create a unique profile of each grass pollen species to determine the most harmful strains.

For this, they are examining hospital and GP records and seeing if demand for these services involving asthma and rhinitis correlates with the presence of one grass species over another.

"Eventually - possibly within three to four years - we hope this will allow us to produce a better forecast of when and where exposure to pollen occurs," Osborne added.

Source: IANS
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Environmental Health

 Plants Filter Airborne Pollutants That Cause Cancer
The Ambius small green wall, which contains a variety of indoor plants, was shown to be quite successful at removing hazardous, cancer-causing pollutants.
Uncovering the Link Between Dirty Air and Premature Death
Public health measures to prevent air pollution could lead to positive effects on patients with heart failure.
Solving the Nitrate Puzzle: Contradictory Hazards and Benefits of Nitrate
Nitrate has brought in two contradictory results, where one study states that it could be heart-healthy while the other points to it as a cancer risk.
Are We Ready for the Future Health Impacts of Climate Mitigation?
Worsened air quality due to climate mitigation efforts could lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Are We Ready to Reduce Plastic Pollution by 80% by 2040?
Reduction in plastic pollution results in an increase of 700,000 jobs by 2040, significantly improving the livelihoods of millions of workers in informal settings.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Airborne Grass Pollen Can Help Predict Hay Fever, Asthma Risk Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests