‘Pollen’ Alarm
Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kılınç, a faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine of Izmir University of Economics, issued important warnings about pollen allergies, which become more intense with the arrival of spring. Pointing out that Izmir is among the 10 most polluted cities in Europe according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Prof. Dr. Kılınç emphasized that the combination of pollen season and air pollution increases health risks in the city. Stating that pollen can have serious consequences especially for people with chronic respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “Izmir is one of the riskiest regions in terms of diseases that may result from pollen. People with respiratory illnesses should be extra careful and take precautions.”
As spring begins to make its presence felt across the country, the “pollen nightmare” has returned, especially for people suffering from allergies. During this period, the number of people applying to hospitals with respiratory complaints has increased. People with chronic conditions are being warned not to neglect regular doctor check-ups, to avoid going outside during hours when pollen levels are high as much as possible, and to wear masks.
IT POSES A RISK
Stating that, according to WHO data, Izmir is among the 10 most polluted cities in Europe, with pollution levels of 80–100 PPM, Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “Considering the current level of air pollution, Izmir is one of the riskiest regions in terms of illnesses caused by pollen. Therefore, residents of Izmir must be very careful. As of April, we have entered a pollen season that will continue until the end of June. During this period, pollen mainly increases the complaints of patients who are prone to allergies and who suffer from conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. In chronic respiratory patients who do not continue their treatment regularly, severe asthma attacks requiring hospitalization may occur.”
“IT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY”
Saying that pollen allergies should not be underestimated, Prof. Dr. Kılınç stated, “If seasonal pollen is not taken seriously and proper precautions are not taken, it can lead to fatal consequences in people with chronic respiratory diseases. This is because pollen triggers a serious process in which immune cells become abnormally activated due to allergies. As a result, this can cause severe narrowing and swelling of the bronchial tubes; the resulting shortness of breath and lung failure may lead to a life-threatening condition.”
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN?
Prof. Dr. Kılınç also listed what should be done to get through this period more easily: “If a person develops symptoms, they should definitely see a pulmonary disease specialist. It is very important for people with chronic health problems such as lung or heart disease to visit the doctors who regularly monitor them, especially during this period when the risk begins. Chronic patients should also avoid going outside too much during pollen season. If they have to go out, they should wear a protective mask and stay outside for as short a time as possible. During these days, homes should not be ventilated by opening the windows, because if pollen enters from outside, the air inside the home will also become polluted. It is also important to avoid indoor pollutants such as cigarette smoke.”
