A study involving a University of Queensland researcher has found that the presence of different strains of grass pollen in the atmosphere can help predict when hay fever and asthma is at its height.
School of Public Health Associate Professor Nicholas Osbourne said the study used plant DNA methods to identify and track different strains of pollen, which allows people affected by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rhinitis to better manage their condition.
Dr. Osbourne says the research would help allergy sufferers prepare for the hay fever season and doctors to prescribe more personalized treatments.