Srinagar, May 7: With the onset of spring and peak flowering season, Kashmir is witnessing a sharp rise in pollen allergy cases, with health experts estimating that nearly 30 percent of the Valley’s population experiences some form of pollen-related allergic reaction during this period.

Doctors and respiratory specialists said the increasing concentration of airborne pollen, particularly from poplar, willow, chinar, and grasses, has led to a significant spike in patients reporting symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, throat irritation, breathing difficulty, and asthma-related complications.
Medical experts said hospitals and clinics across Srinagar and other districts are currently witnessing a heavy rush of patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.
According to doctors, the allergy season in Kashmir generally intensifies between April and June when pollen levels remain high due to blooming trees and changing weather conditions.
“Nearly one-third of the population in Kashmir is sensitive to pollen in one form or another. Cases rise sharply every spring, especially among children, elderly persons, and asthma patients,” said a senior chest specialist in Srinagar.
Experts explained that pollen grains released by trees and grasses become airborne and easily spread through wind, triggering allergic reactions among sensitive individuals. Dry weather, rising temperatures, and strong winds further increase pollen circulation in the atmosphere.
Doctors said many patients also experience worsening respiratory problems due to prolonged exposure outdoors during high pollen hours, especially in the morning and evening.
Health specialists advised people suffering from allergies to minimize outdoor exposure during peak pollen times, wear masks, keep windows closed, and maintain personal hygiene after returning home.
“Simple precautions like washing hands and face frequently, changing clothes after outdoor exposure, and using prescribed anti-allergic medication can significantly reduce symptoms,” experts said.
Pulmonologists also warned that untreated allergies can aggravate asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions if proper medical attention is not sought in time.
Hospitals have advised vulnerable groups, including children and elderly citizens, to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity in heavily pollen-affected areas.
Environmental experts noted that urban plantation patterns and increasing growth of certain pollen-producing trees have also contributed to the rise in allergy cases over the years.
Despite the seasonal challenge, doctors said awareness and timely precautions can help people manage symptoms effectively and avoid serious health complications during the high pollen season in Kashmir.