Daily Delaware Valley Official Pollen, Ragweed, and Mold Spore Counts Resume

2019 Tree Pollen (Spring Allergies) in Philadelphia and South Jersey Starts Now

Tree Pollen –  Are you feeling those old familiar, or new and different, symptoms of itchy watery eyes, and sneezing? Nearly everyone is ready for sunny skies and warm days, but springtime also brings spring allergies (Top Spring Allergy Signs and Symptoms).  In the Delaware Valley last week, with temperatures climbing to nearly 70 degrees on several days, The Asthma Center began monitoring “what’s in the air?,” and we are please to announce the return of official daily Pollen and Mold Spore Counts. 

You can follow our local pollen counts on our website, Facebook page, and direct to your inbox by subscribing for free here.

Why Am I Sneezing Now? Why Are My Eyes Watering?

Typically, juniper/cedar trees are the “early bloomers” in the metropolitan Philadelphia-South Jersey area, along with maple and elm tree pollen, and The Asthma Center’s first air sample late last week confirmed the presence of tree pollen.  Over the past 10 years, the onset of spring pollen was observed at the beginning the second week of March.  However, last year (the 2018 season) later than usual, but also began with heavier concentrations of pollen at the onset of the spring season compared to previous years observed by The Asthma Center.  Now, the onset of the 2019 spring pollen season appears similar to 2018’s spring season start.  

This week’s “cold snap” is expected to be brief.  Prolonged periods of less than 40 degrees may close up the buds on trees temporarily (the ones that burst open last Thursday and Friday with highs nearly reaching 80 degrees.)  Weather forecasts for the next ten days predict mostly dry and increasingly warmer weather.  As temperatures quickly rebound, expect heavy tree pollen, grass pollen joining in, and the full onslaught of spring allergies.

What Is Pollen and How Do We Count It?

Trees and other plants reproduce by creating pollen grains, a fine “dust,” that is often visible to the naked eye (all that yellow or green dust on cars in the morning), but other times so small that it can only be seen under a microscope. Not all pollen cause allergy symptoms, but those that do are light and can travel far on wind currents.

Trees pollinate for two to three week intervals at various times and overlap with peaks observed in our region from late April through early May. Similar to tree pollen, grass pollen is produced as a means of reproduction and depends on wind currents to be transported. Airborne grass pollen appears in early April, peaks throughout May, and declines in June. The Delaware Valley also experiences a second burst of grass pollen in September.  Weed pollen are prevalent later in the summer, with ragweed pollen a major culprit in our area. 

Throughout spring pollen season, we operate two monitoring stations: one on a rooftop in Center City Philadelphia and the other in Mount Laurel, NJ. The Asthma Center publishes these daily pollen, mold, and ragweed counts through the spring, summer and fall and provides a free daily (Monday – Friday) pollen and mold count subscription service. (Subscribe for free here.)

What Are Pollen Allergies?

In the presence of allergy triggers like tree pollen, the body reacts by creating histamine among other chemicals. This reaction causes the allergy symptoms we typically feel in spring like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and congestion. While symptoms are often similar, people react to different allergy triggers – some people are allergic to the juniper that’s in the air today, but others not. It just depends! Many allergy sufferers use the daily counts to keep track and prepare for their symptoms by starting allergy medication.  

Pollen allergy treatment options often include antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, and mucus thinners. Off the shelf products can be extremely effective for treating symptoms, but because everyone’s allergies are unique, they may not work well for everyone. Another powerful option is allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots). Based on the results of the allergy skin tests which determine a person’s specific allergy triggers, allergy shots are custom formulated for each individual to treat their specific allergies. People typically experience significant, long term improvement using this methodology.

Delaware Valley’s Only Official Pollen and Mold Spore Counts (NAB Certified)

The National Allergy Bureau is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology that oversees and certifies pollen counting stations across the US. The Asthma Center operates the only certified pollen and mold stations in the Delaware Valley, with one location in Philadelphia and the other in South Jersey (Mount Laurel, NJ).

Call A Location Near You – Ask About Our Spring Saturday Hours

Center City Philadelphia • Society Hill Philadelphia • Northeast Philadelphia

Bala Cynwyd – Lower Merion PA

Langhorne – Bucks County PA

Mt. Laurel NJ • Woodbury NJ • Hamilton – Princeton NJ • Forked River NJ

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) certified pollen, ragweed, and mold spore counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com.

If interested in purchasing historical pollen and mold spore counts, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com for pricing information.

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

Spring Allergy Season Coming Soon to Philadelphia and South Jersey

Though it still may feel like winter, trees in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area are focused on spring, which means spring allergy season is soon to come.  

According to Dr. Donald Dvorin, a board certified Allergist, from The Asthma Center and Delaware Valley’s official pollen and mold spore counter,  cold days and nights are preventing most tree buds from opening and thus holding off the release of pollen. Over the past 10 years, spring pollen has generally been present at the beginning of the second week of March.  However, the spring seasons for 2018 and 2017 had unusual beginnings, and may hold clues for what we can expect with the upcoming spring 2019 pollen season.

The Asthma Center Outlook – When Will Spring Allergy Season Begin?

First of all, in 2017, warm spring-like temperatures arrived early (74 degrees on 3/1/2017 and 62 degrees on 3/2/2017) which contributed to Dr. Dvorin observing extreme levels of tree pollen during the first week of March.  In contrast, winter weather clung to our region in 2018 including a late Nor’easter that brought snow the third week of March and delayed onset of the spring allergy season for several weeks.

Based on historical data from National Weather Service, it appears that the 2019 weather for our region is following patterns similar to 2018 (see below).  According to the “Monthly Forecast” from Accuweather and the “Long Range Outlook” from EPAWA Weather Consulting, the Delaware Valley can expect March to bring a variety of weather conditions.  

Spring 2019 Tree Pollination Onset

First Week (March 4^rd – March 10^th): Low/Weak outlook for “early” onset of spring tree pollination.

• Winter holds on with cold temperatures (Highs predicted between 28 – 40 degrees and Lows consistently below freezing, possibly dropping into the teens on some nights.  Chances for snow are considered high. 

Second Week (March 11^th – March 17^th): Possible but Unlikely outlook for “typical” onset of spring tree pollination.

• Spring-like temperatures and pleasant days are likely.  Nights will still be chilly with lows barely above freezing.

Third Week (March 18^th – March 24^th): High/Strong outlook for “delayed but heavy” onset of spring tree pollination.

• Chances for rain are considered moderate, but Highs are predicted to consistently range between in the mid-50s.  Overnight lows are expected to stay above freezing.

Finally, as the weather warms, we will see a surge in pollen as trees across the region start to bloom. Locations further south (e.g. Alabama, Florida, Carolinas) have already reported high levels of tree pollen.

Local Daily Pollen Counts

Dr. Donald Dvorin has monitored and analyzed our region’s pollen with a Burkard Spore Trap Device, which samples the air by trapping pollen and other airborne molecules on a greased slide. Every morning, he removes the slide and examines it under a microscope. Different plant pollen have unique shapes, so he can count how much of each plant pollen is on the slide and use that metric to determine the daily pollen count.  The Asthma Center publishes these daily pollen, mold, and ragweed counts through the spring, summer and fall and provides a free daily (Monday – Friday) pollen and mold count subscription service. ( Subscribe for free here. )  The Asthma Center expects pollen counts to resume mid March.

Delaware Valley’s Only Certified Pollen/Mold Counting Station

The National Allergy Bureau is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology that oversees and certifies pollen/pollen counting stations across the US. The Asthma Center operates the only certified pollen/mold stations in the Delaware Valley, with one location in Philadelphia and the other in South Jersey-Mount Laurel, NJ.

You can follow our local pollen counts on our website, Facebook page, and direct to your inbox by subscribing for free here.

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s Official Pollen Count Station. 

PA: (215) 569-1111  NJ: (856) 235-8282

Center City Philadelphia • Society Hill Philadelphia • Northeast Philadelphia

Bala Cynwyd – Lower Merion PA

Langhorne – Bucks County PA

Mt. Laurel NJ • Woodbury NJ • Hamilton – Princeton NJ • Forked River NJ

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) certified pollen, ragweed, and mold spore counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com.

If interested in purchasing historical pollen and mold spore counts, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com for pricing information.

Get the Flu Shot That’s Right for You!

The Asthma Center physicians and staff get flu shots too!  In the above picture taken in The Asthma Center’s Woodbury, NJ office, Clinical Supervisor Sandy Richards, RN administers the quadrivalent flu shot to Medical Secretary Michelle Wood!  (Courtesy: staffer Shannon Cephas, LPN)

Flu Season 2018 – 2019 is Here

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The flu vaccine is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent getting the flu. 

Last year was a particularly devastating year from influenza infections.  According to the CDC, 80,000 Americans died of flu and related complications – the highest death toll associated with the flu in over 40 years.  Over 90% of deaths were in adults >65 years while 180 children/teens died from influenza and related complications.  It is difficult to predict whether this year’s flu will be as aggressive.  The best way to protect yourself and your children is to get properly vaccinated. With several different flu vaccines available, here’s a guide to which option is best for you.

Flu Shot FAQ: Not All Flu Shots are Created Equal 

• Four is Better Than Three (for everyone under age 65)

The Asthma Center highly recommends the quadrivalent (4 strain) influenza vaccine for all patients under the age of 65 years.  The quadrivalent vaccine contains the four most common types of the influenza virus versus only three types in the older trivalent (3 strain) vaccine and provides the most complete protection for this age group against the flu this winter. 

• Three with Extra Power  (for everyone age 65 and older)

The Asthma Center highly recommends the high potency trivalent (3 strain – high potency) influenza vaccine for all patients 65 years and older .  This is the vaccine administered by our practice because it provides the most complete flu protection for this age group. Note that this is superior to the standard trivalent vaccine.

• Buyer Beware – Not All Flu Shots Are The Same

Many local pharmacies and other medical facilities have continued to administer the least protective trivalent influenza vaccine when a patient asks for a “flu shot”. Be sure to ask for the quadrivalent formulation or the high potency trivalent, depending on your age.

• What Parents Need to Know

Children are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu shot every flu season.

• What about Nasal Spray Flu Vaccines?

This year,  the CDC is recommending the FDA approved nasal spray vaccine (FluMist, which is a live attenuated quadrivalent vaccine) in age appropriate individuals who do not have asthma! 

• Can you get the Flu Shot if you are egg-allergic?

With a history egg-allergy of any severity, the CDC does still recommend that any of the age appropriate flu vaccines that are available. Special challenges or two-step same day inoculation may be required in some cases.

• Can You Have a Reaction to the Flu Shot?

Unlikely, but yes.

At The Asthma Center, our board-certified allergists and highly trained staff are well equipped to handle adverse reactions.  All of our physicians and staff are trained to recognize and treat reactions to any vaccine, including the flu shot.

• Experience & Customized Care 

At The Asthma Center, we personalize your experience by choosing the form of the influenza vaccine that is right for you –  multiple doses for young children (if necessary), preservative-free for those with preservative sensitivities, high-dose for those over 65 years of age and the quadrivalent vaccine for those not requiring alternative formulations. And, most importantly, we are there for you in the unlikely event you experience an adverse reaction to the vaccine. 

Did you know that you should wait for 30 minutes after administration of any vaccine so that if an immediate severe reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs, you can be immediately treated?

Center City Philadelphia • Society Hill Philadelphia • Northeast Philadelphia

Bala Cynwyd – Lower Merion PA

Langhorne – Bucks County PA

Mt. Laurel NJ • Woodbury NJ • Hamilton – Princeton NJ • Forked River NJ

For questions regarding flu shots, please email Gaille at gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com. The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

Philadelphia, PA – July 27, 2018 – Record early ragweed season in Philadelphia, as recorded by the ragweed pollen counting station at The Asthma Center.

Record Early Ragweed Season Start in Philadelphia

What’s Normal for Ragweed Season?

What About Ragweed Pollen This Year?

What to Do About Ragweed Allergies?

With ragweed season coming early and promising to be extremely strong, here are a few tips for treating ragweed allergy symptoms from our allergists:

1. Start allergy & asthma medications before your symptoms start. This is one of the most important measures you can take to minimize seasonal allergy symptoms.

2. Know your level of pollen sensitivity and monitor pollen levels. To find out if you are allergic to ragweed, Allergy Skin Testing is one of the most reliable methods to determine allergy sensitivity, particularly when correlated with your personal history. Free subscribers of The Asthma Center’s daily email receive pollen, mold, and ragweed counts direct to their inbox.

3. Keep pollen and mold spores out of your nose, eyes, ears, lungs and home.

Philly’s Only Certified Ragweed Pollen Counts

The Asthma Center operates the only certified pollen and mold stations in the Delaware Valley, with one location in Philadelphia and the other in South Jersey (Mount Laurel, NJ). The National Allergy Bureau is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology that oversees and certifies pollen counting stations across the US. You can follow our local pollen counts on our website, Facebook page, and direct to your inbox by subscribing for free here.

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s Official Pollen and Mold Spore Count Station

PA: (215) 569-1111  NJ: (856) 235-8282

Center City Philadelphia • Society Hill Philadelphia • Northeast Philadelphia

The Main Line – Bala Cynwyd PA

Langhorne – Bucks County PA

Mt. Laurel NJ • Woodbury NJ • Hamilton – Princeton NJ • Forked River NJ

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) certified pollen, ragweed, and mold spore counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com. The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease. If interested in purchasing historical pollen and mold spore counts, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com for information.

Philadelphia, PA – May 10, 2018 – Mother’s Day is here! As flowers are symbols for both Mother’s Day and allergies, The Asthma Center’s board-certified allergists are happy to share our guide to enjoying Mother’s Day flowers with allergies to keep your celebration “sneeze-free.” Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day Flowers & Bouquets: An Allergy-Friendly Guide

Individuals with respiratory allergies may experience symptoms around flowers and other plants when indoors or in outdoor gardens. Fortunately, there are many flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses that produce very little or no pollen and can be used in indoor and/or outdoor environments to reduce allergy symptoms.

The pollen from flowers used in arrangements is heavier than tree, grass and weed pollen. This means that usually it is less of a trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms, but it may still cause problems. Here’s our allergists’ favorite tips to keep in mind when giving or receiving flowers as a gift:

1. Before you bring any ornamental flowers indoors, remove the stamen to reduce as much pollen as possible.
2. Wipe stems, leaves, and petals as needed to remove pollen.
3. Resist the temptation of placing your nose directly in a bouquet of flowers or touching the flowers – direct contact on the hands, other parts of the skin, eyes or nose may trigger allergy symptoms.
4. The fragrance from some plants may also have a very significant irritant effect if you have respiratory allergies and/or asthma. Try to avoid particularly fragrant flowers.
5. Reduce symptoms by avoiding the “worst offenders” such as chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, goldenrod, and sunflowers. Choose allergy-friendly flowers instead:

Mother’s Day Flowers: Allergy Friendly

For those with allergies, the best way to include flowers with Mother’s Day is to choose allergy-friendly flowers. These flowers produce less pollen and fragrance, so result in less symptoms:

• Begonia
• Clematis
• Columbine
• Crocus
• Daffodil
• Geranium
• Hydrangea
• Iris
• Lily
• Periwinkle
• Rose
• Tulip
• Zinnia

Fun Fact:  Only male plant species produce the pollen that people react to, so that if you are able to purchase flowers from female plants you can be sure that they do not produce pollen.

Check out Dr. Marc Goldstein discussing allergy-friendly flowers and bouquets.

Philly’s Only Certified Pollen Source

The National Allergy Bureau is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology that oversees and certifies pollen counting stations across the US. The Asthma Center operates the only certified pollen and mold stations in the Delaware Valley, with one location in Philadelphia and the other in South Jersey (Mount Laurel, NJ). You can follow our local pollen counts on our website, Facebook page, and direct to your inbox by subscribing for free here.

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s Official Pollen and Mold Spore Count Station

Ask about our Special Spring Saturday Hours for New Patients (available in selected locations)!

PA: (215) 569-1111  NJ: (856) 235-8282

Center City Philadelphia • Society Hill Philadelphia • Northeast Philadelphia

The Main Line – Bala Cynwyd PA

Langhorne – Bucks County PA

Mt. Laurel NJ • Woodbury NJ • Hamilton – Princeton NJ • Forked River NJ

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) certified pollen, ragweed, and mold spore counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com. The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease. If interested in purchasing historical pollen and mold spore counts, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com for information.

Don’t let Christmas Tree Allergies ruin “the most wonderful time of the year!”  The Asthma Center’s Dr. Marc Goldstein shares his tips on how to keep your holidays free of sneezing & wheezing!

Christmas Tree Allergies & Asthma – Tips from Dr. Goldstein

Top 5 Tips to Avoid Christmas Tree Allergies & Asthma 

1. Clean Your Christmas Tree.  Before you bring your Christmas tree inside, be sure to shake it out and rinse it off with a hose! With fresh cut trees, pay special attention to the bottom of the tree because this is where the most pollen, dirt and mold are found.  With artificial trees, dust which may have collected throughout the year can be a potential allergy & asthma trigger as well, so be sure to clean these trees before decorating.
2. Dust and Clean ornaments, wreathes, and garlands before decorating. As with Christmas trees, dust on ornaments can trigger symptoms as well.
3. Avoid scented candles, pot pourri  and aerosol sprays.
4. Avoid fireplaces, ash & smoke–this can present particular problems for those with asthma.
5. Avoid touching wreathes, garlands and trees if you have sensitive skin or severe allergies (which can result in contact dermatitis.)

Christmas Tree Bugs

A recent report from the pest control company Safer Brand estimates that a single Christmas tree could be infested with thousands of bugs including aphids, spiders and mites, bark beetles, praying mantises, and more!  While unwanted and perhaps unpleasant, these microscopic insects are not health threats.  To avoid, Safer Brand recommends letting fresh trees sit inside your garage for at least one day before bringing it inside.  Additionally, some individuals find it helpful to spray your Christmas Tree with the organic Safer Brand’s End All neem oil which kills bugs in all stages (from eggs to adults).  More information is available from Safer Brand on Christmas Trees and bug prevention.

How Allergists Can Help

Board-certified allergists and pediatric allergists help patients minimize Christmas allergies, asthma, and sinus problems.  Using minimally invasive in-house diagnostics, like allergy skin testing, needle-free allergy skin testing, and breathing tests, and knowledge of  local allergy triggers like dust, pine tree pollen, ragweed and mold, our allergists develop personalized plans that treat not only the symptoms but also the cause of allergies. Several treatment options, including allergy immunotherapy, are effective and non-drowsy solutions. The board-certified allergy and asthma specialists at The Asthma Center treat patients in 9 convenient locations throughout the Delaware Valley.

Call now to schedule your appointment! 

PA: (215) 569-1111  NJ: (856) 235-8282

Center City Philadelphia • Society Hill Philadelphia • Northeast Philadelphia

Bala Cynwyd – Lower Merion PA

Langhorne – Bucks County PA

Mt. Laurel NJ • Woodbury NJ • Hamilton – Princeton NJ • Forked River NJ

For questions regarding Christmas Allergies & Asthma, please email Gaille at gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com. The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.