Wormwood and ragweed - Kazakhstani scientist warns allergy sufferers in Almaty

Tengrinews.kz — Scientists report that the active pollination phase of wormwood has begun in the city, while high concentrations of ragweed persist. They warn that allergy sufferers may face a double burden.
Wormwood pollen levels rise significantly
The active pollination phase of wormwood began in Almaty on August 8. This was reported on Facebook by Kazakh scientist and professor Kaysar Tabynov, who conducts weekly pollen monitoring at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University.
According to Tabynov, the pollen concentration on that day reached 67 grains per cubic meter for the first time this season. By the following day, the figure had risen to 95 grains per cubic meter.
Note:The phrase "grains per cubic meter" refers to the concentration of pollen grains in one cubic meter of air. A level of 67 grains is considered a high concentration. For individuals with pollen allergies, this level can trigger symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and watering. Levels below 10 grains are considered low.

"Over the week, wormwood accounted for 37.8 percent of all plant pollen detected in Almaty's air; combined with ragweed, this figure reached nearly 51 percent. If you suffer from a wormwood allergy, you have likely already felt the effects," the expert explained.

Ragweed adds to the allergic burden
Professor Tabynov noted that high concentrations of ragweed are persisting in Almaty alongside the increase in wormwood pollen.
On August 7 and 8, ragweed levels exceeded 30 grains per cubic meter. The scientist noted that for sensitive patients, symptoms can manifest at concentrations as low as 10 grains per cubic meter..

"In Almaty, approximately 30-50 percent of patients allergic to wormwood are also sensitized to ragweed (meaning the immune system recognizes ragweed pollen as an allergen and reacts to it — Ed.). Consequently, these individuals may experience a double burden," Kaysar Tabynov emphasized.

Pollen air monitoring in Almaty. Photo: Kaysar Tabynov
The professor explained that he and other specialists have been monitoring potential pollen allergens in Almaty's air since last year.
The team uses a specialized trap to collect and count pollen and other airborne particles.

"Currently, this is the most accurate method for the quantitative determination of plant pollen in the air. We are conducting this work for scientific purposes," he specified.

Given the high pollen concentrations, the professor recommends that allergy sufferers monitor pollen forecasts and, if possible, limit outdoor activity during peak pollination hours. He also advises maintaining prescribed maintenance therapy.
In conclusion, Professor Kaysar Tabynov stated that specialists will continue their observations and keep residents informed.
About the speaker: Kaysar Tabynov is a Professor, PhD, and Director of the International Center of Vaccinology at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University.
We previously reported that the number of allergy cases in Almaty is rising. Doctors are observing not only an earlier start to the season but also a more prolonged duration.