Allergic
rhinitis induced by exposure to pollen is one of the most prevalent allergic
disorders. The inhalation of airborne pollen is a significant catalyst for an
allergic reaction or hay fever.(Prochaskaand Benowitz, 2016) Pollen, which is a fine yellowish powder responsible for
the fertilization of other plants, is dispersed by the wind, birds, insects, or
other animals. Pollen plays an exceedingly crucial role in the growth of plants
and its concentration is particularly elevated during the spring and summer
seasons, which are commonly known as the pollen allergy season. Due to its
extensive distribution, pollen allergy ranks among the most prevalent outdoor
allergies worldwide.(Shriramand Malladi, 2020)In fact, one out of every seven individuals globally
experiences a pollen allergy. While some individuals suffer from pollen
allergies throughout the year, others are only triggered during specific
periods, mainly during the pollen season. Pollens are predominantly released by
a specific tree at the onset of spring in Jaipur. Allergy and asthma patients
in Jaipur face considerable difficulties from February to April. The transition
of seasons during this period becomes an annual ordeal of suffering. The
augmented presence of pollen from the HolopteleaIntegrifolia tree
in the atmosphere leads to allergic reactions among the population in Jaipur.
The research division of the Asthma department in Jaipur has implemented a
device that registers high pollen levels in the air during this time frame.
Increased sensitivity is observed among individuals in the city towards the end
of the winter season. Symptoms such as sneezing, redness of the eyes, and nasal
congestion have been reported as a result of pollen allergies.
According to a study conducted by (Singh et al., 2013;Chaurasia, 2021) aeroallergens play a significant role in respiratory
allergy conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, particularly those
originating from the plant Holopteliaintegrifolia. In a research
conducted in Jaipur, a single intra-day pattern of pollen was discovered, with
the lowest count occurring between 4-6 AM and the highest concentration
occurring between 2-4 PM. The amount of pollen present throughout the day is
twice as high as it is from 8 PM to 6 AM. Armed with this knowledge, healthcare
professionals and individuals with allergies can take measures to avoid
exposure to these elements during the daytime (Singh et al., 2013and D. Singh et al.,
2013)
Singh et al. conducted a study in
2013 to investigate the role of air-borne pollen in allergic conditions such as
asthma and rhinitis. They discovered a total of 41 common pollen types,
predominantly originating from anemophilous trees and grasses, through their
research conducted in Jaipur. The pollen season extended from July to October
and March to April, with the highest concentrations occurring in August.
Notable contributors to the pollen count included Poaceae, Chenoamaranthus,
Asteraceae, Holoptelea, Cassia Spp., Brassica, Azadiracta, and Parthenium.(Singh
et al., 2013)
Kapyal (1984) conducted a study on the impact of pollen allergies on
human health, focusing on different concentrations of fallen pollen from
various species. Increasing the temperature and decreasing of relativity
humidity were closely related with increasing the pollen court.
According to the research conducted by Norris Hill in 1991, there exists
a correlation between the subjective concept of relative humanity and the
impact of the pollen count in the Earth's atmosphere.
The study conducted by Spie.
lsma in 1983 observed that there were daily variations in [something] as
a result of changes in wind direction and the occurrence of precipitation.
in a separate investigation, as
stated by Berggren et al in 1995, the impact of precipitation on the quantity
of pollen surpasses that of temperature, relative humidity, and wind direction.
In the investigation conducted by
Dimple Singh in 2013, it was discovered that a solitary intraduranal pattern
exhibited the minimum quantity of pollen between the hours of 4 and 6 in the
morning, while the highest quantity of pollen was observed between 2 and 4 in
the afternoon for the pollen of Holopteleaintegrifola in the urban area known
as the pink city, Jaipur.
Several studies conducted by
researchers such as Kapylaet al., (1984), Kuohet al. (1999),
Raynoret al., (1971), and Norris-Hill et al., (1991) have
documented the prevalence of specific types of airborne pollen taxa within the
spectrum.
HolopteleaIntegrifolia:-
Holopteleaintegrifolia, a member of the Ulmaceae
family, is the sole species present in India within deciduous regions (Sharma
and Singh, 2012) The flowering period of Holopteleaintegrifolia spans from mid-February to the
conclusion of March [8]. This particular tree, Holopteleaintegrifolia, is a significant contributor to
pollen allergies in Jaipur, Delhi, and the National Capital Region (NCR), as
well as other areas in North India.(HolopteleaIntegrifolia Tree | the
Cause of Pollen Allergy in Jaipur?, 2016)
Individuals who
suffer from both allergic rhinitis and asthma are significantly impacted by the
rise in pollen levels that occur during the spring season. This particular type
of plant is frequently encountered in public parks, along the city's roadsides,
as well as in prominent locations such as Central Park, Gandhi Nagar, and
Vaishali Nagar, where individuals often engage in morning walks and
subsequently suffer from health issues.(Allergy Pollens
Found in Air 1st Time This Season in Jaipur, 2023)
Individuals
afflicted with allergic rhinitis and asthma should exercise caution in the
presence of pollen from the Holopteleaintegrifolia plant, commonly known as the
"chilbil or bandarki roti tree". Holopteleaintegrifolia, also
referred to as the chilbil/Bandar Ki Roti, is a substantial deciduous tree that
reaches heights of 20-25 meters. The bark of mature trees assumes a dull grey
hue and peels away in corky scales. The flowers are diminutive and covered in
fine hairs, exhibiting hues that span from deep green to dark brown. Flowering
occurs during the months of January and February, while fruit-bearing
transpires from March to May. The climatic conditions in Jaipur are conducive
to the growth of Holopteleaintegrifolia, and the nursery operated by the forest
department plays a pivotal role in its propagation.(Allergy Pollens
Found in Air 1st Time This Season in Jaipur, 2023)
Holopteleaintegrifolia, the plant known for its
significant allergenic pollen production, was detected in the atmospheric
environment of Jaipur on the twenty-fourth of February, 2023, marking the
initial occurrence of this season. The density of Holopteleaintegrifolia pollen
particles in the atmosphere remains notably elevated for a duration ranging
between one to two months. Notably, these pollen particles exhibit a higher
presence during the morning and evening hours. It is important to note that the
existence of this particular pollen in the air may pose adverse effects on
individuals with susceptibility to allergies. (The Times of India, February 24, 2023).
Normally, the
period of peak pollen occurrence typically persists until the conclusion of the
month of April, leading to the arrival of patients at medical facilities
displaying various symptoms, such as the discharge of watery nasal secretions,
respiratory difficulties, wheezing, ocular irritation, and dermatological
rashes. In Jaipur, an abundance of Holoptelea trees can be observed. The
majority of individuals remain uninformed regarding the detrimental
consequences stemming from these trees. These trees can commonly be found in
government-maintained parks, Central Park, Gandhi Nagar, and Vaishali Nagar,
which are popular destinations for early morning strolls, unfortunately
resulting in a substantial number of individuals falling ill.
Around 10% of individuals with asthma experience an
allergic reaction to the Holoptelea plant, as reported by The Times of India in
2023. Those who possess sensitivities to this particular plant are advised to
refrain from venturing outdoors and to diligently cover their nose and mouth
with a triple-layered mask during the morning and evening hours. Experts have
approximated that no less than 30% of the population in North India and 10% of
the total population throughout India are afflicted by allergies, with 40-60%
of airborne pollen originating from the HolopteleaIntegrifolia tree in Jaipur.
This tree disperses a significant amount of pollen into the atmosphere during
the months of January and February in comparison to other plants. These pollens
are responsible for inducing various allergic reactions among the local
inhabitants, including respiratory ailments such as asthma, allergies, rhinitis,
ocular redness, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion, sneezing, and breathing
difficulties.
Table -3 (Common allergic plants of different seasons)(A. B. Singh and Mathur, 2013and
N. Singh et al., 2017)
Plant
|
Spring(Feb.-Apr,)
|
Autumn(Sep.-Oct.)
|
Winter(Nov.-Jan.)
|
Throughout
year
|
Tree
|
Pithecellobium-dulce
Azadiractaindica
Bauhinia
Cassia.sp.
Parkinsoniaaculeata
Buteamonosperma
Delonixregia
Callistenon
Dalbergia
Riccinuscommunis
Holopteleaintegrifolia
Kigelia
Tecomellaundulata
Salvadorspersica
|
Neriumindicum
|
Acacia spp.
Albizzialebbeck
Callistenon
|
|
Weed
|
Argemone
|
|
Ziziphusmauritiana
|
Parthenium
|
Grass
|
|
Tephrosias
sp.
Chenopod-Amaranthus
|
Asphodelous
Ageratum
Brassica spp.
Chenopod-Amaranthus
|
Cyanodon
Euphorbia-hirta
|
Table 4 (Common allergic plants of different seasons)(A. B. Singh and Mathur, 2013;Singh et al., 2013;D. Singh et al., 2013and
N. Singh et al., 2017)
Family
|
Name
of plant which produced allergic pollen
|
Peak
Concentration of pollen time
|
Mimosacea
|
Acacia
spp.
|
January
-December
|
Albizzialebbeck
|
|
Pithecellobium-dulce
|
February
-may
|
Asteracea
|
Ageratum
|
Throughout
year
|
Asteracea
|
Parthenium
|
Throughout
year
|
Papaveraceae
|
Argemone
|
November
-May
|
Liliaceae
|
Asphodelous
|
December
-March
|
Meliaeae
|
Azadiractaindica
|
March-June
|
Caeselpiniaceae
|
Bauhinia
|
February
-March
|
Cassia.
sp.
|
Aprail-June
|
Parkinsoniaaculeata
|
January-Aprail
|
Brassicaceae
|
Brassica
spp.
|
November-Feburary
|
Fabaceae
|
Buteamonosperma
|
March-Aprail
|
Delonixregia
|
Feburary
-March
|
Tephrosias
sp.
|
Augast-Octobet
|
Myrtaceae
|
Callistenon
|
February-March
and Oct. -November
|
Amaranthaceae
|
Chenopod-Amaranthus
|
July-November
|
Poaceae
|
Cyanodon
|
January-AprailandAugast-December
|
Papilionaceae
|
Dalbergia
|
Feburary
-March
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Euphorbia-hirta
|
Throught
the year
|
Riccinuscommunis
|
November-Aprail
|
Ulmaceae
|
Holopteleaintegrifolia
|
February-Aprail
|
Bignonaiaceae
|
Kigelia
|
Aprail-June
|
Tecomellaundulata
|
February-Aprail
|
Apocynaceae
|
Neriumindicum
|
Aprail-September
|
Salvadoracear
|
Salvadorspersica
|
|
Rhamneaceae
|
Ziziphusmauritiana
|
September-December
|
(Figures 4
and 5 show the dominant pollen allergic agent in Jaipur.)
(D. Singh et al., 2013;Singh et al., 2013;N. Singh et al., 2017;A. B. Singh and Mathur, 2013and N. Singh et al., 2017)
Contribution of pollen causing allergyagent in percentage
The allergenic
potential of certain plant species, such as Poaceae (grasses), Asteraceae
(weed), and Chenopod-Amaranthus (weed), as well as fungal spores and trees, is
well-documented. Among these, the pollen grains of Poaceae, specifically
grasses like bermuda grass, rye, jowar, bajra, and congress grass, are the most
common culprits, accounting for 35.3% of allergies. Additionally, the pollen of
various weeds, including ragweed, pigweed, mugwort, and Amaranthus, are significant
contributors to allergic reactions. Furthermore, certain tree species like
Holoptelea and cassia produce highly allergenic pollen. Extensive studies on
pollen concentration during pollen seasons have allowed for the
characterization of the most abundant taxa. These findings have been documented
by Singh and colleagues in 2013 and Singh and colleagues in 2017.
Poaceae: In
the months of April and August, during the Pollen season, the Poaceae family
experienced the highest concentrations of pollen, with a recorded percentage of
35.3%.
Cheno-Amaranthus: The pollen of Cheno / Amaranthus was documented throughout
the entire year; however, the month of August and September exhibited the
highest concentration at 28.6%.
Asteraceae: Throughout
the year, Asteraceae pollen is present, however, the month of March exhibited
the highest count, amounting to 8.1%.
Holopteleaintegrifolia: Holopteleaintegrifolia exhibits a brief period of pollen
dissemination, commencing in the third week of February and extending until the
final week of March, with the most notable concentrations of pollen (4.8%)
being detected during the second week of March.
Azadirachtaindica:The period of time when the pollen of Azadirachtaindica is
present began in the initial week of April and extended until the middle of
May. The most elevated level of concentration, measuring 2.9%, was recorded
during the third week of April.
Brassica compestris:The period during which the Brassica pollen season occurs
spans from the initial week of October to the ultimate week of March. However,
the week commencing in November exhibits the most pronounced concentration of
pollen, reaching 3.5%.
Partheniumhysterophorus: The presence of Parthenium was recorded as having a
prolonged period of pollen dispersion that began in March and continued until
November, with the highest level of pollen concentration (1.35%) being observed
in August.
Cassia
Spp.:
Pollen season started in the third week of April and observed highest (3.8%) in
the
July.(“Https://Jaipurthrumylens.Com/2016/03/19/Holoptelea-Integrifolia-Tree-Cause-of-Pollen-Allergy-in-Jaipur/,”
n.d.)(The weather channel, n.d.)(Khandelwal, Asha AND MITTRE, n.d.)