Doctors warn residents of Bengaluru's high-rise building: Pollen allergy cases spiking. Safeguards explained

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-existing conditions like diabetes and respiratory diseases are particularly susceptible. The elderly, in particular, face higher risks as their immune systems are often weakened by age or underlying health conditions. This makes them more prone to developing severe allergic reactions that can lead to hospitalization.


Another contributing factor is Bengaluru’s declining air quality, worsened by pollution and rapid urbanization. Experts believe that air and dust pollution act as compounding factors, making people even more vulnerable to pollen allergies. Hospitals are reporting a 20-25% increase in pollen allergy cases over the past two years, with environmental pollution and overcrowding in the city playing a key role. The low air quality index has made the situation even worse, forcing many to seek medical help more frequently than before.

Pollen allergy safeguards

Doctors are advising residents, particularly those living in high-foliage areas, to take preventive measures during the peak pollen season. Early-morning walks, for instance, in high-foliage areas are discouraged as pollen counts are generally higher during those hours. Wearing masks, a common practice during the pandemic, has proven to be effective in protecting against allergens as well. Physicians also recommend avoiding gardening and outdoor activities during high-pollen periods to minimize exposure. Regularly changing clothes after coming home from outdoor activities can also help reduce the likelihood of pollen clinging to fabrics and triggering allergies later in the day.

The impact of pollen allergies on children is particularly concerning. Allergic rhinitis, a condition caused by pollen, leads to symptoms like a runny nose during the day and a blocked nose at night, resulting in poor sleep. In more severe cases, pollen allergies can trigger asthma attacks, requiring hospitalization. Hay fever, which presents with symptoms like high fever and a runny nose, is another common condition caused by pollen.

For children with persistent symptoms, especially those showing signs of bronchitis or asthma, timely medical intervention is critical to prevent long-term damage to lung function. Persistent bronchitis can lead to asthma, where the airways become narrowed and inflamed, resulting in wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic coughing.