by Hay fever affects one in four adults in the UK from late-March to September, causing symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy, red or watery eyes. It can also worsen lung conditions like asthma, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties that may require hospitalization. To manage their symptoms, many people with hay fever monitor peak pollen times. Currently, pollen grains are manually measured to determine the daily pollen count. However, a recent study conducted by King’s College London and Imperial College London suggests that measuring grass allergen levels instead of pollen counts may be more accurate and beneficial for hay fever sufferers.
This research marks the first time that the measurement of airborne allergen levels has been identified as a method for better controlling hay fever symptoms.
Traditionally, pollen counts have been used as an indicator of allergen exposure. However, each pollen grain can release varying amounts of allergen each day, making the measurement less precise. In contrast, measuring allergen levels in the air provides a more accurate reflection of the allergens responsible for triggering hay fever symptoms. Currently, there is no regular monitoring of allergen levels in the UK or elsewhere.
The study involved collecting daily symptom and medication scores from adult participants in an allergy clinical trial, as well as daily counts of asthma hospital admissions in London. Grass pollen counts were measured, and air samples were taken to measure the grass allergen protein Phl p 5 in the same location at King’s College London over the same time period.
According to Dr. Elaine Fuertes, the first author of the study from Imperial College London, grass pollen is the most common hay fever trigger. The research showed that measuring grass allergen levels, specifically Phl p 5, was consistently associated with allergic respiratory symptoms, unlike the grass pollen counts.
Professor Stephen Till, the senior author from King’s College London, emphasized the seriousness of the high pollen season for individuals suffering from hay fever. He explained that this study provides evidence that measuring grass allergen instead of grass pollen counts is a superior method. By monitoring grass allergen levels, patients’ symptoms can be better linked to the results, and individuals with severe allergies can be better prepared during the pollen season.
Further research is ongoing to determine whether regular measurement of allergen levels can become the standard in the UK. Additionally, the study aims to explore other environmental factors, such as temperature, wind, humidity, and air pollutants, that may influence the amount of allergen released by each pollen grain. Ultimately, this research has the potential to improve hay fever management and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by this common allergic condition.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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