Can we improve pollen season definitions by using the symptom load index in addition to pollen counts?
Airborne pollen measurements are the foundation of aerobiological research and provide essential raw data for various disciplines. Pollen itself should be considered a relevant factor in air quality. Symptom data shed light on the relationship of pollen allergy and pollination. The aim of this study is to assess the spatial variation of local, regional and national symptom datasets. Ten pollen season definitions are used to calculate the symptom load index for the birch and grass pollen seasons (2013-2014) in Austria. (1) Local, (2) regional and (3) national symptom datasets are used to examine spatial variations and a consistent pattern was found. In conclusion, national datasets are suitable for first insights where no sufficient local or regional dataset is available and season definitions based on percentages provide a practical solution, as they can be applied in regions with different pollen loads and produce more constant results.
University Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Medizinische Universität Wien, Austria. Electronic address: katharina.bastl@meduniwien.ac.at.
Katharina
K
Bastl
University Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Medizinische Universität Wien, Austria; Department for Paleontology, Universität Wien, Austria.
Maximilian
M
Kmenta
Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Carmi
C
Geller-Bernstein
University Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Medizinische Universität Wien, Austria.
Uwe
U
Berger
University Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Medizinische Universität Wien, Austria.
Siegfried
S
Jäger
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry; D000485:Allergens / Q000737:chemistry; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D029662:Betula / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006109:Poaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D011058:Pollen / Q000737:chemistry*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012621:Seasons
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000485:Allergens
Birch pollen season; European Aeroallergen Network; Grass pollen season; Patient's Hayfever Diary; Symptom load index