The role of pollen monitoring in allergology and otolaryngology: from environmental exposure assessment to personalized patient care

Introduction: Pollen monitoring plays an important role in modern allergy care. Quantitatively determining airborne pollen concentrations serves as a clinically relevant tool for diagnosis, treatment, disease monitoring, and prevention. Aim: The study provides an overview of current clinical applications of pollen monitoring in allergology and otolaryngology, and its integration with new technologies that support precision medicine. Methods: A narrative review of the current scientific literature was conducted, critically analysing publications that connect pollen monitoring, molecular aerobiology, climate change, and digital medical technologies in relation to their clinical applications in allergology and otolaryngology. Results: Conventional aerobiological monitoring with Hirst-type volumetric samplers remains the established method for quantifying airborne pollen. It provides data on the duration, intensity, and regional variation of exposure to allergenic pollen from sensitising plants. Such information supports the interpretation of clinical symptoms, skin test results, and molecular diagnostics. It is essential in specific allergen immunotherapy, assisting with allergen selection, optimising treatment courses and evaluating outcomes. These data form the basis for allergen avoidance strategies, which are fundamental to prevention. Pollen monitoring also contributes to otolaryngology, informing the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Integrating pollen monitoring with electronic symptom diaries, mobile health applications, and portable measuring devices supports personalised assessment of allergen exposure and advances precision medicine. Automated monitoring systems and artificial intelligence facilitate near real-time transmission of information. Developments in molecular aerobiology have improved the understanding of the relationship between environmental exposure and respiratory symptoms. Long-term pollen monitoring provides insight into the biological impacts of climate change, including changes in the timing, duration, and intensity of pollen seasons, as well as the spread of invasive allergenic species. Conclusions: Pollen monitoring is a clinically significant component of personalised management of allergic respiratory diseases. Integration with advanced technologies is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimise allergen immunotherapy, strengthen preventive strategies, and support the ongoing development of precision medicine. .