Srinagar: Leading pulmonologist Naveed Nazir Shah on Thursday said the cotton-like fluff released by poplar trees during spring is not the primary cause of allergies, clarifying that invisible pollen particles present in the atmosphere are more responsible for triggering allergic reactions among people.
Speaking about the seasonal rise in allergy-related cases in Kashmir, Dr Shah said pollen activity begins from March every year due to flowering plants, grasses and trees, leading to an increase in symptoms among people suffering from asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and skin allergies.
“If we talk about pollen, it starts from March. Different plants, grasses and trees release pollen into the atmosphere, which aggravates symptoms among allergic patients,” he told.
He said the cotton-like material commonly seen floating in the air during this period is actually a visible seed released by poplar trees and not pollen itself.
However, he added that pollen released by poplar trees and other plants can still trigger allergic reactions, although most pollen particles remain invisible in the atmosphere.
“The majority of pollen in the atmosphere is not visible. People usually blame the visible cotton for allergies, but other airborne pollen is more allergenic,” he said.
Dr Shah said the floating cotton does have a “nuisance value” as it can irritate the nose and throat when inhaled and may also act as a carrier for other allergens present in the air.
He advised people, particularly those with respiratory conditions and allergies, to cover their nose and mouth while outdoors to reduce exposure to allergens and lower the risk of infections.
“By covering the nose and mouth, people can protect themselves not only from poplar cotton but also from other allergens present in the atmosphere,” he added.
