Sensitive to allergic pollens: individuals warned to take precautionary steps

Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned the individuals sensitive to allergic pollens to take precautionary measures as the allergic pollen in Islamabad reached the dangerous count of 26,705 per cubic meter on Saturday, with high concentration of 'Paper Mulberry.'
In its special advisory the department has said that the current atmospheric concentration of allergic pollens lies in VERY HIGH category, and the individuals sensitive to allergic pollens must take precautionary measures.
The meteorological conditions indicate an increasing trend in allergic pollens during the 3rd week (15th - 21st March) of current month. The individuals who are interested to received daily pollen count in Islamabad may be registered at Telephone No 051-9250363.
It may be added that with the onset of spring season and change of weather, pollen allergy causes cough, asthma, skin and other related diseases. The allergy season lasts from late-February until early June, and again from June to September.
Precautions for Allergy and Asthma Patients: Talking to Business Recorder Dr Mohammad Oosman Yusuf of The Allergy and Asthma Institute, Pakistan said that a pollen count higher than 1,500 is considered to be very high. Unfortunately, each year Islamabad sees the worst of pollen count ever been recorded in the world. A pollen count level higher than 5,000, indicated an emergency condition for people sensitive to paper mulberry. The allergic conditions cannot be eliminated altogether, nevertheless, a few precautions can help lessen the severity of symptoms, and can identify a possible emergency situation.
-- Wear a mask when you go out.
-- Take the medicines prescribed by your allergy specialist.
-- If you have allergy/asthma symptoms and you have not visited a specialist yet, then take out time and visit a specialist soon.
-- Drink lots of water to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated.
-- While travelling keep your anti-allergy medicines and inhalers with you.
Dr Yousuf warned that in case of a sudden increase in allergy/asthma symptoms, the patient should take the emergency medicines prescribed by your allergy specialist. These symptoms could be sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, coughing, itchy eyes and skin etc. If you do not feel better then immediately, rush to the Emergency Department of a near by hospital.
DOS AND DON'TS Dr Yousuf listed following Dos and Don'ts that the patients may want to follow during the pollen to lessen their exposure to the pollens or molds that trigger their allergy symptoms.
DO keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds from drifting into your home. Instead, if needed, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries the air. DO minimise early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted-between 5-10 am DO keep your car windows closed when travelling.
DO try to stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high, and on windy days when dust and pollen are blown about. DO take a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea.
DO take medications prescribed by your allergist/immunologist regularly, in the recommended dosage. DON'T take more medication than recommended in an attempt to lessen your symptoms. DON'T mow lawns or be around freshly cut grass; mowing stirs up pollens and molds. DON'T rake leaves, as this also stirs up molds. DON'T hang sheets or clothing out to dry. Pollens and molds may collect in them.
DON'T grow too many, or over water, indoor plants if you are allergic to mold. Wet soil encourages mold growth.