Cape Town Plagued by High Pollen Count, Predicted to Affect Asthmatics

Cape Town is witnessing a severe pollen count which is causing inconvenience for its residents and worse, potentially jeopardizing individuals with respiratory conditions, warns the Allergy and Immunology Clinic at the University of Cape Town's Lung Institute.

Dilys Berman, a representative from the clinic, alerted that this unnaturally elevated count could prove hazardous especially for those suffering from pollen allergies and asthma. She elucidated that although an unusual level compared to previous years, it wasn't entirely unforeseen due to the considerable yield of coastal wildflowers this year.

Berman further explained the reasons behind the elevated pollen count, attributing them to an extended tree flowering season and unusual weed flowering. Additionally, the recent rains have escalated the fungal spore count. She also suggested that sunshine contributes to increased grass and pollen levels.

Urban samples gathered by the clinic revealed the inception of pollen types such as cypress, oak, gum, willow, mulberry, pine, and yellowwood. Pollen from plant types such as proteas and daisies were also detected.

While the clinic indicates that pollen counts fluctuate daily, the pollen count rises drastically during hot, still days with minimal cloud cover, often inciting allergies. Contrarily, rainy weather conditions reduce the pollen volume in the atmosphere, yet pollen counts possibly surge post periods of rainfall during the respective flowering season.

Furthermore, Berman warned that harsh winds could disperse pollen extensively thereby making the high pollen count more pervasive or reducing it.

She added that the institute monitors the pollen count with a unique device known as a spore trap, which captures pollen and other particles. Samples are examined once every week and a 'traffic light system' is activated to indicate areas with high and potentially harmful pollen counts.

Allergies induced by pollen might include symptoms such as a congested or runny nose, sneezing, itchiness in the eyes, post-nasal drip, sore throat, chest tightness, coughing, or shortness of breath. Berman, however, asserts that improvements in conditions can be expected next month.