Aeropalynological studies can help hay fever sufferers manage allergies – Expert
A Don, Prof. Abdullahi Alanamu, advised Nigerians on Tuesday to explore Aeropalynological studies to help hay fever sufferers manage their allergies effectively.
Alanamu, who is of the Department of Plant Biology, University of Ilorin (Unilorin), gave the advice in Ilorin while delivering the University’s 229th Inaugural Lecture.
Alanamu’s presentation was titled “The Tiny Giant of the Unseen that Explains the Seen.”
The don, who lectures in Unilorin’s Faculty of Life Sciences, defined Aeropalynology as the study of particulates in the air.
He said that the field of study was scarce in Nigeria, adding that little or no known aerosol data was available geographically in the country.
The expert described pollen as a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle that contained proteins that could cause the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses to become swollen, irritated, and inflamed.
Alanamu said that recently, research was carried out to identify the concentration of air-borne pollen and fungal spores and the effect of some meteorological parameters on their concentration at the University.
He said that the amount of pollen and spores on the campus was determined for four months, from December/January to March/April.
“The amount of pollen and spores was higher in March than in other months.
“It was observed that meteorological factors influenced pollen concentration; hence, there is a need to always determine the amount of these pollen concentrations all year round,” he said.
Alanamu explained that such research would not only help to predict the vegetation of a given area but would also help hay fever sufferers manage their allergies effectively.
Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis. It is caused by the nose and/or eyes coming into contact with environmental allergens, such as pollen (from grasses, weeds, or trees), dust mites, molds, and animal dander.
It affects up to one in five people at some point in their lives.
Some of the immediate signs and symptoms of hay fever include a runny nose, an itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
In some cases, the symptoms of hay fever can be so severe that a person can’t sleep or concentrate and may feel tired or unwell.
