An increased pollen count has left many Capetonians sniffing and sneezing and potentially poses a threat to those with respiratory conditions.
Also read: Pollen count surges in Cape Town
This is according to UCT’s Lung Institute Allergy and Immunology Clinic, which said that the city’s very high pollen count is ‘potentially very dangerous for pollen allergy sufferers, especially asthmatics’.
Dilys Berman of the clinic told News24 that the high number this year was slightly unusual compared to previous years but not entirely unexpected considering the bumper crop of coastal wildflowers.
She went on to say that the high pollen count was also caused by unusual weed flowering and a longer than usual tree flowering season. The recent rains have increased the fungal spore count.
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According to the clinic’s most recent report, increased sunshine has resulted in an increase in grass and pollen levels. Cypress, oak, gum, willow, mulberry, pine and yellowwood pollen were found in the clinic’s samples.
The samples also contained pollen from plants such as proteas and daisies.
According to the clinic, pollen counts vary from day to day in any location.
However, it is susceptible to short-term weather changes. The pollen count will be highest on hot, still days with little cloud cover, often triggering allergies.
While rain reduces the amount of pollen in the air, pollen counts may increase after a period of rain during the flowering season.
In addition, Berman said that strong winds could distribute pollen widely, which could reduce a high pollen count or make it more widespread.
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Pollen monitoring is done with a special instrument called a spore trap, which faces into the wind to collect pollen and other particles, according to the clinic’s website.
The sample is removed once a week, and the pollen count is calculated. The team then employs a ‘traffic light system’ to alert the monitored areas to high and very high pollen counts.
Pollen allergies can cause a runny or congested nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, post-nasal drip, sore throat, chest tightness, coughing, or shortness of breath.
Berman predicted that conditions would likely improve next month.
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