Patterns and Seasonal Changes of Airborne Pollens in Phitsanulok, Lower Northern Thailand: A 16-Year Aeroallergen Survey
13
Issued Date
2025-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01252208
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105008991742
Journal Title
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand
Volume
108
Issue
6
Start Page
490
End Page
499
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Vol.108 No.6 (2025) , 490-499
Suggested Citation
Uthaisangsook S., Dhorranintra B., Bunarsa S. Patterns and Seasonal Changes of Airborne Pollens in Phitsanulok, Lower Northern Thailand: A 16-Year Aeroallergen Survey. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Vol.108 No.6 (2025) , 490-499. 499. doi:10.35755/jmedassocthai.2025.6.490-499-02873 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111050
Title
Patterns and Seasonal Changes of Airborne Pollens in Phitsanulok, Lower Northern Thailand: A 16-Year Aeroallergen Survey
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objective: Airborne pollens are significant triggers of allergic rhinitis, atopic conjunctivitis, and asthma. The present study aimed to examine the patterns, quantities, and dynamic changes of airborne pollens in Phitsanulok, lower northern Thailand, during three periods, November 2006 to October 2007, August 2013 to July 2014, and August 2022 to July 2023. Materials and Methods: In 2006 to 2007, airborne pollens were collected using a Rotorod sampler positioned 1.5 to 2 meters above ground. In 2013 to 2014 and 2022 to 2023, pollens were collected using a Burkard seven-day volumetric spore trap positioned 15 meters above ground. The exposed rods and slides were stained for microscopic analysis. Meteorological data were also obtained. Results: Monthly airborne pollen counts ranged from 48 to 304 grains/m<sup>3</sup> in 2006 to 2007, 28.1 to 110.8 grains/m<sup>3</sup> in 2013 to 2014, and 60.7 to 151.7 grains/m<sup>3</sup> in 2022 to 2023. Peaks occurred in February, May, and August in 2006 to 2007, December in 2013 to 2014, and February and December in 2022 to 2023. Wild grass and cultivated grass were the most and second most common pollen, respectively, across all three periods, with variations in the pollen types ranked third to tenth. Total annual rainfall from 2013 to 2014 was the lowest among the three periods. The highest temperatures and lowest humidity levels, recorded in April 2013 to 2014 and 2022 to 2023, corresponded to low pollen levels. Conclusion: The average monthly pollen count during 2022 to 2023 was lower than that recorded in 2006 to 2007 but slightly higher than in 2013 to 2014. Wild grass was the predominant pollen type over the 16-year period, with levels considered a high allergic risk.