Pollen allergies in Bengaluru have seen a sharp rise, transforming what was once a seasonal issue into a persistent, year-round challenge. With the city's rapid urbanization and increasing construction of high-rise buildings, pollen, once confined to the ground, now spreads across different elevations, making even the upper floors of tall structures vulnerable. This phenomenon has led to a surge in pollen-related health problems, with hospitals witnessing a steady increase in patients suffering from sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory issues .
Sudden weather changes have further exacerbated the situation, making allergic reactions more frequent and severe. Medical professionals in the city have noted a significant spike in cases. At Sparsh Hospitals, for example, the number of daily pollen allergy cases has jumped from five to 25 in just five years, says a doctor.
This alarming trend is attributed to the way pollen is now carried by the wind to higher levels due to the proliferation of tall buildings. Residents of high-rise apartments, especially those with a genetic predisposition to allergies, are at greater risk of exposure. Pollen that once settled on the ground near individual houses is now carried upward, increasing the reach of allergens into areas that were once less affected.
Apart from environmental factors, individual immunity plays a significant role in how people react to allergens. Physicians have observed that the elderly, children, and those with pre-existin.