In South Africa, we’re blessed with an abundance of show-stopping flora. From the indigenous weighty King Protea to delicately fragranced roses and a diverse variety of flowering succulents, such as vygies that thrive in semi-desert conditions, our country prides itself on an abundantly rich, diverse floral heritage.
Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy the gorgeous flowers without pesky allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, watery (or itchy) eyes, an itchy nose or throat and/or coughing or shortness of breath[1]. Pollen allergy can be divided into three major clinical problems: allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma[2]. It is estimated that more than 20% of the South African population suffer from allergic disease[3].
An allergic reaction is a result of the body’s immune systems overreacting to stimulants (allergens) such as pollen or mould spores[4]. However, thanks to pollen counters introduced in South Africa since 2019, people can be prepared to proactively handle seasonal allergies.
MANAGE WHAT YOU CAN MEASURE
In a marriage between medicine and science, the pollen in the atmosphere is now being measured by the South African Pollen Monitoring Network lead by the University of Cape Town Allergy and Immunology unit. The ground-breaking pollen monitoring exercise includes nine pollen counters across the country (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, Pretoria, Gqeberha, Kimberley, George and Potchefstroom).
CEO of Cipla Africa, Paul Miller, said: “Previously, limited research and inaccurate data was available regarding pollen counts in the country, making it difficult to identify pollen triggers or what time of the year they are most prevalent. We want to enhance people’s wellbeing and help allergy sufferers, which is why Cipla will be sponsoring the pollen counter in George in the Western Cape.”
When it comes to the weather, we can rattle off terminology, such temperatures, the wind-chill factor, and the UV index. But what’s our understanding regarding the pollen count and how the weather patterns influence pollen? And more importantly, how can we use this data to proactively manage seasonal allergies and asthma?
Whether planning outdoor activities or simply gauging allergy risks, information about local pollen levels helps people make informed decisions about their day-to-day activities to improve their quality of life.
GET TO WHAT ARE YOUR TRIGGERS
The weekly pollen counts – obtained from national spore traps and presented as a “traffic light system” – indicate the overall risk in a city, as well as indicators for tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen and mould spores.
Unit head at UCT’s Allergy and Immunology Unit and also head of the division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology at Groote Schuur Hospital, Professor, Jonathan Peter, says: “While as many as 30% of all South Africans struggle with allergic rhinitis and 10% are affected by asthma, the effects of climate change in increasing pollen counts through higher greenhouse gases, could mean even more people fighting respiratory conditions in the coming years”.
“We saw this link during the Covid pandemic where everyone was placed at risk. As the prevalence of allergenic pollen increases, along with the amplifying effects of higher air pollution, entire populations could be adversely affected by increasing ambient pollen concentrations,” he says.
“The collection, processing and analysis of these sites is a highly specialised and complex process that requires a diverse team of experts that includes aerobiologists and allergists,” he says. “Eventually, we are looking at introducing automated pollen monitors, as well as a comprehensive index that includes a variety of factors affecting allergic reactions. So, not only will we look at pollen, but carbon emissions, adverse weather and other pollutants that amplify the adverse effects of pollen.”
Each type of pollen affects people differently, so over time, people can learn to identify which pollen affects them the most. Grasses and trees pollenate at different times of the year and the length of the pollination seasons might differ throughout the country.
Keeping an eye on the pollen counts on the website, helps people understand which plants are pollenating in the areas they stay. It is best to consult with your doctor to discuss treatment options (either over-the-counter or prescription products) to control pollen allergy symptoms. People suffering from asthma may also need to ensure they’re using their medication correctly when the pollen count is high/red to prevent worsening of symptoms.
Founder of the Allergy and Asthma clinic in George, Dr Corli Lodder (allergy specialist), says: “Having a pollen counter in our area made a huge difference in providing treatment plans for my patients. Firstly, we now know which trees, grasses, weeds and moulds are present in abundance in a given area at different times and can test accordingly. “Secondly, when to step-up medication doses and when to decrease medication can now be much better planned,” she says.
In several areas, pollen calendars are now available making treatment planning even more structured. George, for instance only has data from September 2023, but the information has already made a difference in patients’ lives.
“Patients living with allergic rhinitis and asthma have no control over what is in the air when they breathe, but they have to breath,” Dr Lodder says. “Sudden weather changes are common with global warming being a reality, also affecting the length of pollination seasons globally.
“Pollen surveillance is one of the tools we have in assisting our patients to use inhaled medication at the right time at the right dose to prevent acute exacerbations that may lead to hospitalisations and complications,” she adds.