Allergenic Pollens

The number of patients suffering from allergy has been increasing dramatically recently. Over 13 million Thais are suffering from allergic rhinitis. An important cause of outdoor allergy is airborne pollen, of which available information is limited. Our study investigated types and quantity of airborne pollen in Bangkok and the metropolitan areas. It was found that grass, sedge, amaranth pollens, and fern spores are the most abundant types. When compared to the previous report from 35 years ago, the types of airborne pollens did not change significantly, but the season had shifted slightly earlier.This knowledge has led to the production of pollen extracts for allergy diagnostics and therapy that are specific for Thai patients. The diagnostic kit had been filed for a petty patent and the technology successfully transferred to a pharmaceutical company for the para grass and amaranth pollen extracts. In addition, the study provided the much-needed information for allergy clinics and patients.