Srinagar, May 8 -- Leading pulmonologist Naveed Nazir Shah on Thursday said the cotton-like fluff released by poplar trees during spring is not the primary cause of allergies, clarifying that invisible pollen particles present in the atmosphere are more responsible for triggering allergic reactions among people.

Speaking about the seasonal rise in allergy-related cases in Kashmir, Dr Shah said pollen activity begins from March every year due to flowering plants, grasses and trees, leading to an increase in symptoms among people suffering from asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and skin allergies.

"If we talk about pollen, it starts from March. Different plants, grasses and trees release pollen into the atmosphere, which aggravate...