Pollen Allergy Cases Surge in Abbottabad
APP
Abbottabad: A sharp surge in pollen allergy cases has been reported across Abbottabad, with Poplar trees identified as the main cause. The white, cotton-like pollen released by these trees has heavily affected areas including Link Road, Supply, Mandian, and Sir Syed Colony, where residents are facing severe allergic reactions.
Hospitals, particularly DHQ Abbottabad, are witnessing 12–15 allergy cases daily, with numbers likely higher at Ayub Teaching Hospital. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, throat swelling, and breathing issues, particularly among asthma patients.
Program Manager Provencial TB Control Program KPK Dr. Sabir Rehman told APP that in response to growing public complaints over the past few years, up to 50 percent of Poplar trees in public areas have been chopped down across Abbottabad with the support of the district administration.
“Despite these efforts, a significant number of Poplar trees still exist on privately-owned properties,” he said. “If private landowners cooperate with the health department and the district administration, we can effectively control the pollen allergy crisis in the city.”
Dr. Rehman emphasized that public awareness and community participation are essential in mitigating the impact of seasonal allergies. He suggested that trimming Poplar trees before spring could drastically reduce pollen release, offering a more sustainable alternative to mass tree removal.
Program Manager TB control program also urged residents to report high-pollen zones to local health officials so that preventive measures can be implemented promptly. In the meantime, health teams are actively monitoring allergy trends and working with hospitals to manage the increasing number of cases.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Abbottabad provided temporary relief by settling airborne pollen and clearing the atmosphere.
Environmentalists have urged proper trimming of Poplar trees before spring instead of cutting them down entirely, citing their environmental benefits. Health experts recommend staying indoors during peak pollen hours and using air purifiers and face masks for protection.
Authorities are being called upon to raise awareness and implement allergy-conscious urban planning to prevent future outbreaks.
