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Extreme Tree +More Grass & Molds = Misery Monday

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Tree pollen levels are extreme today.   When pollen volume reaches the extreme range, there is the potential for severe allergy symptoms.  

“Oak Tree Pollen looks like it’s in the peak phase which will continue for the next seven days, and then I would expect Pine Tree Pollen to dramatically increase,” Dr. Dvorin reports after finishing today’s local pollen count. 

 “Grass pollen is up, and I expect it to keep increasing—historically, our area sees the peak of the Spring Grass Pollen season right before Memorial Day, and Outdoor mold spores were increased today too, probably due to all the rain we had for more than a week,” he warned.

Tree Pollen is Extreme.

Oak Tree Pollen continues as the principal tree pollen in the air in the Delaware Valley accounting for nearly 90% of all tree pollen in the suburban (Mount Laurel, NJ) air sample and more than 75% in the urban (Philadelphia, PA) air sample.

Mulberry Tree Pollen increased in both air samples.  Of note however, Mulberry tree pollen once again exhibits a stronger presence in the Philadelphia, PA air sample. (For more information read “Street Tree Mulberry Struts it’s Stuff” )

Birch Tree Pollen decreased in both air samples and today represents only an estimated 3% of overall tree pollen. 

Pine Tree Pollen is slightly increased.  Other tree pollen observed include Ash, Juniper/Cedar, Hemlock, Hickory/Pecan, Sweet Gum, Sycamore, and Walnut.

Grass Pollen is Moderate.

For the fourth local pollen count in a row, Grass pollen increased again and is moderate.  

Outdoor Mold Spores are Very High.

Outdoor mold spores levels increased to very high.

Of note if you are allergic to outdoor mold spores, the “jump up” in the counts was dramatic for both air samples but more so in the suburban (Mount Laurel, NJ) air sample than in the urban (Philadelphia, PA) air sample.

No Ragweed or Other Weed Pollen is seen.

 

Grass Pollen Allergy Preparedness: More Important than Ever

It’s not uncommon for individuals with grass pollen allergy to also have other allergic sensitivities.  In fact, in The Asthma Center’s 25 years of allergy skin testing, it is more common to see individuals who have multiple allergies rather than a sensitivity to grass pollen alone.

When local pollen counts are like today’s count with Tree pollen remaining extreme and potentially triggering severe symptoms and outdoor mold spores at very high levels, it is crucial to be prepared for Grass Pollen Allergy.

What Can You Do?

  1. Recognize the symptoms

Many individuals recognize the “typical” spring allergy symptoms triggered by grass and tree pollen such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and congestion.  Less commonly recognized is the fact that grass pollen may be the source behind puffy eyes (eye allergy) and contact skin or rashes (skin allergy.) Many individuals are allergic to both trees and grass, making this time of year particularly miserable (don’t miss our recent blog: Blue Skies, Red Eyes)

  1. Define your allergy triggers

 At The Asthma Center, we know that no two people are exactly alike – which is why our evaluations and treatment programs are customized and tailored to fit each patient’s allergies, asthma, and sinus needs and concerns. Grass pollen sensitivity is just one part of our Allergy Skin Test. Based on our board certified Allergists clinical experience and Dr. Dvorin’s historical aeroallergen data, our team of specialists can help determine your level of sensitivity to the most common grasses in the Delaware Valley including June, Kentucky Blue, Meadow Fescue, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Redtop, Sweet Vernal, and Timothy. 

  1. Review your treatment plan for maximum symptom management

It’s not too late to Get Relief and feel better!

Grass pollen allergy treatment options are similar to other pollen treatments, and many factors will play a role on what is the best treatment plan for you.  If your allergies are making you miserable, it is best to see a qualified (board certified) allergists who can evaluate and help you manage your specific issues.  Allergies are often mis-diagnosed with other non-allergic conditions but with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment, it is possible to get relief!

Allergy shots have been shown to be of help to some individuals with grass pollen allergy.  Another form of immunotherapy, sub-lingual (where a tablet is dissolved under the tongue) has recently become available for the treatment of grass pollen allergy.  Unfortunately, studies have shown that this treatment works best when an individual has a single allergy but it is rare for an individual to only be allergic to grass pollen.  In The Asthma Center’s experience, it is much more common for individuals to have multiple triggers with unique levels of allergic sensitivity and therefore a personalized approach is required in order to achieve the best outcomes and help our patients get relief.

To benefit from allergy shots or sub-lingual immunotherapy, these treatments should be started approximately three months before the season.  While it may be too late to start allergy shots for the 2016 Spring season, it’s not too late to Get Relief, starting with allergy skin testing to determine your specific triggers and levels of allergic sensitivity!

  1. Avoid or Limit Grass Pollen Exposure

The first step in avoiding or limiting grass pollen exposure is to know when grass pollen is present in the air.  Dr. Dvorin collects, counts, and reports local air samples for the Delaware Valley every day Monday through Friday (check back in daily or subscribe to receive local pollen and mold spore counts by email.)

Grass pollen tips / Does the smell of cut grass bother you?

Mowing your lawn regularly can help cut down on the pollination of grasses on your property. However, many people experience allergy symptoms when exposed to the smell of freshly cut grass. Allergic reactions to mowed grass are more likely from the non-pollen parts of the grass containing allergenic proteins or molds being stirred up in the mowing process. When you mow your lawn, allergen concentration of this type will dramatically increase for a short period of time during and immediately after you mow. So, mowing your lawn will often be beneficial in the long-term, though it may aggravate your allergies short-term.  Reactions to cut grass sometimes can go beyond the Spring grass pollination season as well.  Again, this is not due to grass pollen but from exposure to mold spores or reactions to other grass antigens in the blades of grass.

You should also:

  • Wear long sleeves and long pants when mowing the grass.  Be sure to shower & wash your hair afterwards.
  • Limit time outdoors during the early morning hours when the most pollen is released
  • Sleep with windows closed and drive with windows up (Don’t miss our recent blog Shut the Door, Seal the Windows )
  • Beware of tracking grass pollen into your home (kids, pets especially, newspaper sleeves, and on shorts and jackets)
  • Shower and wash your hair after extended outdoor exposure

  1. Know Your Local Pollen Count

Be sure to check back in for The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe  to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

 Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

May 7 and May 14: the Mount Laurel, NJ location will be seeing patients.

May 14:  the Hamilton, NJ location will be seeing patients.

May 14 and June 4: the Langhorne, PA office will be seeing patients.

It’s Raining, Pouring: Local Pollen Count Soaring

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“All it took was sunshine for a few hours yesterday,” says Dr. Dvorin, “I even noticed more pollen in the afternoon.”

Tree pollen levels are extreme today.   When pollen volume reaches the extreme range, there is the potential for severe allergy symptoms.   Tree pollen volume nearly tripled in our air in the Delaware Valley with today’s count over 1300 cubic meters of air/24 hours (any count above 1000 is extreme – see How We Count Pollen)

Tree Pollen (Extreme)

Oak Tree Pollen continues to dominate the counts consisting of nearly 80% of tree pollen seen in both the urban (Philadelphia, PA) and suburban (Mount Laurel, NJ) air samples. 

“Heavy Oak tree pollen, no question,” says Dr. Dvorin, after counting today’s air samples. “And more Birch, and quite a variety of 8 other kinds of tree pollen as well.”

Birch represents an estimated 16% of overall tree pollen.  Other tree pollen observed include Ash, Juniper/Cedar, Hemlock, Mulberry, Pine, Sycamore, and Walnut.

Grass Pollen (Moderate)

Grass Pollen on Slide

Grass pollen volume increased again for the third day in a row and is moderate. 

Pictured above is an image of a grass pollen grain from today’s local air sample viewed through Dr. Dvorin’s microscope.

“Even the smallest amounts of grass pollen can cause symptoms in those who are extremely sensitive,” says Dr. Dvorin.

Why this sudden, steady rise? Because grasses are starting to pollinate. According to Dr. Dvorin’s historical data, grass pollen typically appears in early April, peaks during the month of May, and then gradually declines in June. This means that those with severe grass allergies have not yet begun to experience the peak of grass pollen this spring.

 

Outdoor Mold Spores (High)

Outdoor mold spores decreased a little again today and is high.

No Ragweed or Other Weed Pollen is seen.

 

What’s Ahead?

More rain, and possibly thunderstorms, are the forecast for our region for the rest of this Friday afternoon, and may possibly extend through the night into Saturday morning.  The Delaware Valley experienced similar conditions earlier in the week which, contrary to what many expected, may have contributed to more pollen in the air (Dr. Dvorin explains how thunderstorms can influence pollen release in our recent blog “Grains Against the Rain.” 

The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow

Most metrological forecasts for the Delaware Valley call for sunshine and warmer temps both on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, which is great news for all of us with weekend in plans.  That’s the good news.  Unfortunately, given Dr. Dvorin’s historical data and expertise, pollen levels will likely continue to provoke severe symptoms for those with allergies and asthma.

“It’s been an unusual season, with complicated weather patterns influencing the pollen process, up and down, and back up, “ he commented.  “It’s bad [exposure to pollen], and it will get worse as things dry out and heat up.  Grass is taking off, and we haven’t seen Pine tree pollen peak yet,” he warns.

 

What Can You Do?  Be Pro-Active!

  1. Learn how to tell the difference

Sinusitis, Common Colds or Allergies?  There’s are big differences between the three, though initial symptoms are often very similar to one another. Read more on Sinusitis Colds or Allergies.

  1. Grass pollen tips / Does the smell of cut grass bother you?

Mowing your lawn regularly can help cut down on the pollination of grasses on your property. However, many people experience allergy symptoms when exposed to the smell of freshly cut grass. Allergic reactions to mowed grass are more likely from the non-pollen parts of the grass containing allergenic proteins or molds being stirred up in the mowing process. When you mow your lawn, allergen concentration of this type will dramatically increase for a short period of time during and immediately after you mow. So, mowing your lawn will often be beneficial in the long-term, though it may aggravate your allergies short-term.  Reactions to cut grass sometimes can go beyond the Spring grass pollination season as well.  Again, this is not due to grass pollen but from exposure to mold spores or reactions to other grass antigens in the blades of grass.

You should also:

  • Wear long sleeves and long pants when mowing the grass.  Be sure to shower & wash your hair afterwards.
  • Limit time outdoors during the early morning hours when the most pollen is released
  • Sleep with windows closed and drive with windows up (Don’t miss our recent blog Shut the Door, Seal the Windows )
  • Beware of tracking grass pollen into your home (kids, pets especially, newspaper sleeves, and on shorts and jackets)
  • Shower and wash your hair after extended outdoor exposure
  1. Mother’s Day Flowers & Potential Allergens

mother's day lilly

Flowers are synonymous with two things: Mother’s Day and allergies.  With Mother’s Day around the corner, before you bring ornamental flowers indoors, it may be worthwhile to remove as much pollen as possible by removing the stamen.

For a less symptomatic weekend with Mom, try one of these flowers more suited for allergy sufferers.

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

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.  However, there are several things to keep in mind when giving or receiving flowers as a gift:

  • It’s a good idea to resist the temptation of placing your nose directly in a bouquet of flowers or touching the flowers, since direct contact on the hands, other parts of the skin, eyes and nose may trigger allergy symptoms.
  • The fragrance from some plants may also have a very significant irritant effect if you have respiratory allergies and/or asthma.
  • Reduce symptoms by avoiding the “worst offenders” such as chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, goldenrod, and sunflowers. Learn more here: Tips for Allergy Free Gardening

 

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts!

 

Next Pollen and Mold Spore Count: Monday 5/9/2016

Be sure to check back in for The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

May 7 and May 14: the Mount Laurel, NJ location will be seeing patients.

May 14 and June 4: the Langhorne, PA office will be seeing patients

Oak & Mulberry: Tree Pollen Battle Brewing

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Tree pollen remains Very High today in the Delaware Valley.  Overall volume of Tree pollen decreased 23%-40% with a greater reduction in overall volume noted in The Asthma Center’s urban (Philadelphia, PA) air sample versus the suburban (Mount Laurel, NJ) air sample. 

Oak Tree Pollen, again today, is the principal tree pollen seen in both air samples.  Of note, however, in the Philadelphia, PA pollen count, Mulberry Tree Pollen volume actually increased (nearly tripled compared to yesterday’s count) and is a close “2nd Place” to Oak Tree Pollen.  In both the NJ and PA pollen counts, Pine tree pollen is the 3rd highest contributor to overall volume.  “Volume is never the whole story,” reminds Dr. Dvorin, The Asthma Center’s certified pollen and mold spore counter. 

Be sure to catch up on our last blog “Grains Against the Rain:  More Tree Pollen for NJ & PA.”

Grass pollen is slightly increased to Low levels.  If you are allergic to grass pollen, there are two things you should keep in mind:

  1. It’s crucial to recognize your symptoms when they first appear and to be knowledgeable about your management and treatment options—if you are extremely sensitive or allergic to grass pollen (Allergy Skin Testing), exposure to even minimal amounts of this aeroallergen may trigger symptoms.
  2. Based on Dr. Dvorin’s historical pollen data, Grass pollen seen during the Spring typically peaks in May. Given current meteorological conditions in our region, today’s slight increase in Grass pollen suggests that as soon as the ground dries out, a dramatic surge in Grass pollen can be expected.

Outdoor mold spores today are slightly decreased but remain Very High.

What’s Ahead?

Right now, conditions in our region are dry but cloudy and cool.  Daytime high temperatures are expected to remain unseasonably cool until Saturday.  More clouds and possible rain showers are also in most forecasts for the Delaware Valley through Saturday morning with the sun expected to finally break through Saturday afternoon, just in time for Mother’s Day.

If you’re starting to make Mother’s Day weekend plans, be sure to check back daily for The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

What Can You Do?

 

ben franklin and key

“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure.” Benjamin Franklin

Philadelphia’s own Benjamin Franklin wore many “hats” during his lifetime, and much of his wisdom still applies today. The above quote attributed to him, for example, exemplifies what it means to be pro-active.

For those suffering from terrible allergies right now, if over-the-counter (OTC) medications are not helping, you may want to start thinking about ways to prevent “history repeating itself” next spring.  For example, if you are allergic to grass pollen, Allergy Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) or  perhaps oral immunotherapy grass tablets may be helpful to get through the grass pollen season next year.  If you are allergic to multiple kinds of pollen (tree, grass, ragweed, and/or other weeds), allergy shots are extremely effective in reducing the acute symptoms of  nasal allergy such as sneezing and congestion (just to name two.)  Allergy shots are also beneficial if you have multiple pollen allergies and experience other symptoms such as fatigue, sinus headache, mental “fogginess,” and cough, which are all symptoms often associated with severe allergies.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

 

Grains against the Rain: More Tree Pollen For NJ & PA

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“Today is yet another example of how weather, pollen, and allergy symptoms are all related,” says Dr. Dvorin as he finished counting today’s air sample.

“If you have allergies, you feel it. Tree pollen increased—it’s the height of the season, conditions were dry most of yesterday even though it was cloudy, and then there were those thunderstorms overnight,”  he explains.  

“I’m congested.

“Scratchy throat and I feel terrible.”

“My head, my head…Sinus Congestion…”

Co-workers, family members and friends are lamenting about their symptoms. Recent comments posted on The Asthma Center’s Facebook page echo this sentiment:

“I’m suffering horribly!”

“Feels like a hangover without any of the fun.”

“My head may blow up.”

Tree pollen increased today and remains very high.  In the Delaware Valley, tree pollen counts of 60-999 pollen grains per cubic meter of air in a 24 hours period are very high and may cause moderate to severe symptoms. Compared to yesterday’s tree pollen count, overall volume increased approximately 25%. 

Oak Tree Pollen continues to dominate the count and accounts for 76%-81% of all tree pollen in the air in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There’s no shortage of Oak Trees in our area–pictured above is a Montgomery County Oak Tree with dangling catkins.  To learn more about Oak catkins, read the recent pollen blog Shut the Door, Seal the Windows: Catkins Are Here

Birch, Mulberry and Pine comprise another 10%-12%.  Other kinds of tree pollen present in the air include Walnut, Sycamore, Hickory/Pecan, and Sweet Gum.

Grass pollen is very low.  Outdoor mold spores decreased slightly over the past 24 hours but remain high.

LighteningYikes—Thunderstorms Can Mean More Pollen In the Air

Sometimes, that’s true.  You may have seen or been woken up last night by thunder, lightning, and periods of heavy rain in parts of the Delaware Valley.  In last week’s blog, Thursday Tree Pollen Tale: Very High, Down Not Out, Dr. Dvorin discussed how weather changes like rain and falling temperatures can disturb the pollen process.  Storms like those our area experienced overnight –Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, winds and heavy rains–affect the process differently.  First, winds lift, carry, and toss pollen about, sometimes violently.  Lightning indicates a change in the movement of atmospheric electrical charges which may cause further anomalies in pollen release; when combined with winds, this can result in more pollen in the air with all of it traveling further.  Acute asthma attacks have also been associated with thunderstorms.

What’s Ahead?

There is a light mist in the Delaware Valley, with more rain, and possibly thunderstorms, in the forecast for the next several days.  We asked Dr. Dvorin again about “pollen forecasts” popular in the news and online today, some of which predicted low levels of pollen today for our region.

“They [ the pollen forecasts ] don’t seem to help,” Dr. Dvorin noted, “if you have allergies, the forecasts do not match what you feel because you’re affected by what is actually in the air.”

 The accuracy and statistical correlation of pollen counts with pollen forecasts has never been proven, and that is why there has been no published, scientifically validated model for pollen forecasting.  

Be sure to check back in for The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

What Can You Do?

ben franklin and key

“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure.” Benjamin Franklin

You may recall a story about a prominent scientist from Philadelphia (and kite experiment) who was also interested in the effects of lightning (and the movement of atmospheric electrical charges).  Benjamin Franklin wore many “hats” during his lifetime, and much of his wisdom still applies today.  The above quote attributed to him, for example, exemplifies what it means to be pro-active.

For those suffering from terrible allergies right now, if over-the-counter (OTC) medications are not helping, you may want to start thinking about ways to prevent “history repeating itself” next spring.  For example, if you are allergic to grass pollen, Allergy Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) or  perhaps oral immunotherapy grass tablets may be helpful to get through the grass pollen season next year.  If you are allergic to multiple kinds of pollen (tree, grass, ragweed, and/or other weeds), allergy shots are extremely effective in reducing the acute symptoms of  nasal allergy such as sneezing and congestion (just to name two.)  Allergy shots are also beneficial if you have multiple pollen allergies and experience other symptoms such as fatigue, sinus headache, mental “fogginess,” and cough, which are all symptoms often associated with severe allergies.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

TGIF: Tree pollen Grains Increased Friday

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“Trees aren’t through with us yet – so when you have a little bit of rain, it will only slow down the process – not stop it,” summarized Dr. Dvorin after analyzing today’s Pennsylvania and New Jersey air samples.

Tree pollen again today is very high.   In the Delaware Valley, tree pollen counts of 60-999 pollen grains per cubic meter of air in a 24 hours period are very high and may cause moderate to severe symptoms.

Compared to yesterday’s air sample, today’s overall tree pollen intensified by approximately 33%.  Thursday’s decreases in tree pollen volume were likely due to disturbances in the pollen process (rain and chilly temperatures.)  Today’s “bounce back up” is no fluke or technical malfunction—during the early morning hours when most pollen is released into the air, weather conditions were dry in the Delaware Valley.  Unfortunately for allergy and asthma sufferers, Tree pollen season is clearly not waning. As Dr. Dvorin said in yesterday’s blog, “Volume is never the whole story with pollen.”  Likewise today, there are more clues that tree pollen season is not “on it’s way out.”

Oak Tree Pollen continues to unquestionably dominate the count; however, at approximately 77% of all tree pollen. While Mulberry and Birch tree pollen are present in percentages similar to yesterday, the big news, is that these species have been surpassed by increases in Pine tree pollen and Juniper/Cedar tree pollen which today take 2nd and 3rd place respectively in prominence.  The surge in Pine pollen is one clue, and the variation in the composition of the air samples another clue—all pointing to the fact that Tree pollen season is not over.  Based on his experience and historical data, Dr. Dvorin expects Pine tree pollen to peak sometime in the next 2 weeks.

Additionally, today’s grass pollen counts are very low, and outdoor mold spores remain high.

Did you know?

wharton state forrest nj

If you live in the Delaware Valley (or were born here and now live elsewhere), you know the Jersey Pine Barrens are a source of pride.  Two things you may not know are:

  • The New Jersey Pine Barrens are home to the biggest collection of Scrub or Pitch Pine on the US Eastern seaboard. Fossilized Pollen has been used to date this species back to the ice age!
  • This large collection of Pine trees, whose pollen can sometimes at its peak be so thick it looks like a cloud of smoke, creates a unique challenge for allergy and asthma sufferers and the allergists who manage their care. We may take for granted that the Pine Barrens are part of our landscape and Pine pollen part of our air samples, but in many regions of the United States, this is not the case.  In fact, in areas where pines are few, and pine pollen exposure minimal or nonexistent, pine pollen is not considered “allergenic.”   While there may be some in our area who are still unaware of pine pollen and its effects, The Asthma Center includes pine tree pollen in our allergy skin test panel to determine allergic sensitivity.

 

Next Pollen and Mold Spore Count: Monday 5/3/2016

Be sure to check back in for The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

Pollen Counting Device

Thursday Tree Pollen Tale: Very High,Down Not Out

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“When I saw the air samples, I knew tree pollen would be down. It was that obvious.” Dr. Dvorin reports as he finished counting today’s air sample. Unfortunately, even with a drop in volume, Tree Pollen remains in the very high range.

“Volume is never the whole story with pollen—we know the process of pollen production is disturbed by weather changes like rain and or falling temperatures, “ explained Dr. Dvorin. “Take today’s count for example: the kinds of pollen matter. In other words, what is actually in the air plays a role during the height of the season, and why local air samples provide crucial information. ”

Tree pollen today is very high. In the Delaware Valley, tree pollen counts of 60-999 pollen grains per cubic meter of air in a 24 hours period are very high and may cause moderate to severe symptoms. Compared to yesterday tree pollen count, overall volume fell between 50-55%.

Oak Tree Pollen continues to dominate the count; however, variation was noted today between The Asthma Center’s suburban (Mount Laurel, NJ) air sample versus the urban air sample (Philadelphia, PA-Collection Station Pictured Above). In the suburban air sample, Oak Tree pollen accounted for approximately 84% of all tree pollen and continues the trend seen in the air samples from both collection stations over the last several days. Of note, in today’s Philadelphia air sample Oak tree pollen comprised only a little more than 50% of the overall tree pollen count.

In The Asthma Center’s Philadelphia, PA pollen count, Mulberry tree pollen increased in both volume and as percentage, comprising nearly 35% of the overall tree pollen in the urban air sample today. (Don’t miss Dr. Dvorin’s commentary on “Street Tree Mulberry” in the Delaware Valley.) Birch Tree pollen was a distant third in the Philadelphia pollen count. Mulberry and Birch tree pollen tie for second place in the Mount Laurel, NJ pollen count, together account for close to 10% of the air sample. Today’s grass pollen counts are low, and outdoor mold spores remain high.

What’s Ahead?

It’s raining in the Delaware Valley, and more rain is in the forecast from now through Monday.

For allergy and asthma sufferers, it’s the not the forecasts that matter, but “what’s in the air.”

When asked about “pollen forecasts” which are popular in the news and online today, Dr. Dvorin warns with a smile “Take them with a grain, a grain of salt that is, not a pollen grain.”

“That’s because there is no published, scientifically validated model for pollen forecasting,” Dr. Dvorin explains.   The accuracy and statistical correlation of pollen counts with pollen forecasts has never been proven. “That’s why I collect and count the local pollen and mold spores for New Jersey and Pennsylvania—so that we can all know “what’s in the air!”

Be sure to check back in for The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau. Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

What Can You Do?

1. Be proactive—know what triggers your symptoms (allergy skin testing) and limit or avoid exposure. This is the strategy The Asthma Center’s board certified Allergists employ to help patients get relief.

2. If you’re on medications to manage your allergies, don’t stop taking them because it rains or temperatures are cooler. With allergies, if you stop taking your medications and then suddenly have more exposure to a trigger (like Tree Pollen levels re-surging when things dry out), your allergy symptoms may even be worse.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

• May 7 and May 14: the Mount Laurel, NJ location will be seeing patients.

• May 14 and June 4: the Langhorne, PA office will be seeing patients.

Weathering Wednesday: Tree Pollen Won’t Wash Away

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Quick heavy rains with wind deposited between 0.25 – 0.5 of an inch of rain throughout our area last evening.  If you were caught out in it, the clouds moved in fast and the downpour felt more like an inch.   In downtown Philadelphia, umbrellas blew inside out, and in the suburbs lawn furniture tipped over.  Sunshine returned, but behind the storm, temperatures fell (closer to historical averages). Allergy sufferers hoping for a break from symptoms were likely disappointed.

“The numbers went down, but not that much” says Dr. Dvorin as he finished counting today’s air sample.  “And expect a resurgence as soon as the ground dries out, 24-48 hours after the storm,” he warns.

Today’s tree pollen count for the Delaware Valley is approximately 935 grains per cubic meter of air.  For our local area, tree pollen counts 60-999 are very high and may cause moderate to severe symptoms.  The composition of today’s tree pollen count was similar to what has been in evidence over the last several days with Oak tree pollen accounting for more than 80% of all tree pollen.  Pine and Mulberry again hold second place and together account for close to 10% of the air sample (Don’t miss Dr. Dvorin’s Manic Monday commentary which includes an explanation of the impact of Pine and Mulberry trees in the Delaware Valley)  Today’s grass pollen counts are low, and outdoor mold spores remain high.

How much difference did the rain make for Tree Pollen Counts?

For the big three, Oak, Pine and Mulberry, the following decreases were noted:

The amount of rain our area received varied, but analysis of The Asthma Center’s air sample counts for the “big 3” (Oak, Pine & Mulberry) shows that overnight Oak tree pollen decreased 14 – 28%, Pine Tree pollen decreased 43-55%, and Mulberry Tree pollen decreased 43-63%.

What’s Ahead?

Clouds, more rain and cooler temperatures are in the forecast for our area with predictions for precipitation from now through Monday, but allergy and asthma sufferers shouldn’t count on a break from symptoms.

“As things dry out, expect pollen levels to bounce. If it’s humid, outdoor mold spore levels may climb.” says Dr. Dvorin “but we’ll know for sure when I do the counts.”

Be sure to check back in for The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

What’s Can You Do?

  1. Be proactive—know what triggers your symptoms (allergy skin testing) and limit or avoid exposure. This is the strategy The Asthma Center’s board certified Allergists employ to help patients get relief.
  1. If you’re on medications to manage your allergies, don’t stop taking them because it rains or temperatures are cooler. With allergies, if you stop taking your medications and then suddenly have more exposure to a trigger (like Tree Pollen levels resurging when things dry out), your allergy symptoms may even be worse.  

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

  • May 7 and May 14: the Mount Laurel, NJ location will be seeing patients.
  • May 14 and June 4: the Langhorne, PA office will be seeing patients.

 

Extreme Tree+Grass Misery = Terrible Pollen 2sday

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“It’s been dry and breezy with no rain yet, so tree pollen levels are extreme again today,” reports Dr. Dvorin. “There has been a slight decrease in the last 24 hours, but the volume of Oak tree pollen and all tree pollen remains heavy.” 

Today’s tree pollen count is well above 1000 (see How We Count Pollen) which is in the extreme range with the potential to trigger severe allergy symptoms.

Oak Tree Pollen
Oak Tree Pollen with Microscopic Oak Pollen Grain Inset

Oak tree pollen (pictured above) accounts for more than 80% of all tree pollen in our air in the Delaware Valley.  In fact, Oak tree pollen counts alone fall into the extreme range.  Pine & Mulberry pollen are in second place today and account for another approximate 10% of the tree pollen in our local air sample.  The remaining 2% or so is comprised of Juniper/Cedar, Birch, Walnut, Willow, Sweet Gum, Sycamore, and Hemlock tree pollen.

Grass pollen decreased slightly today and falls just short of moderate into the low range.  Outdoor mold spores, on the other hand, are slightly increased but remain in the high range.

What You Need to Know About Grass Pollen

Grass pollen allergy is an example of why it is so important to know exactly what is causing your allergy symptoms, how sensitive you are to this trigger, and how to limit or avoid your exposure because even the smallest amounts of grass pollen can cause symptoms in those who are extremely sensitive. 

Grass pollen is in the Delaware Valley today, and there is no doubt these numbers are on the rise.  Based on Dr. Dvorin’s historical data, grass pollen in our area typically appears in early April, peaks during the month of May, and then gradually declines in June.  A second, less intense burst of grass pollen is usually seen in the Delaware Valley from late August through early October.

For those with grass pollen allergy, it’s crucial to recognize your symptoms when they first appear and to be knowledgeable about your management and treatment options.

Grass Pollen Allergy Symptoms

Many individuals recognize the “typical” spring allergy symptoms triggered by grass and tree pollen such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and congestion.  Less commonly recognized is the fact that grass pollen may be the source behind puffy eyes (eye allergy) and contact skin or rashes (skin allergy.) Many individuals are allergic to both trees and grass, making this time of year particularly miserable (don’t miss our recent blog: Blue Skies, Red Eyes)

puffy allergy eyes child two

It is particularly important to keep grass pollen allergy in mind as young children spend more time outside playing on sports fields (such as soccer, lacrosse or baseball) with grass.  Also, just as adults may experience fatigue or difficulty concentrating when allergy symptoms are at their worst, allergies can affect children in the same manner.  Fatigue and concentration issues (other allergy symptoms) sometimes first show up in problems at school.

Grass Pollen Sensitivity

At The Asthma Center, we know that no two people are exactly alike – which is why our evaluations and treatment programs are customized and tailored to fit each patient’s allergies, asthma, and sinus needs and concerns. Grass pollen sensitivity is just one part of our Allergy Skin Test. Based on our board certified Allergists clinical experience and Dr. Dvorin’s historical aeroallergen data, our team of specialists can help determine your level of sensitivity to the most common grasses in the Delaware Valley including June, Kentucky Blue, Meadow Fescue, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Redtop, Sweet Vernal, and Timothy. 

How to Avoid or Limit Grass Pollen Exposure

Grass pollen alone 04 26 2016The first step in avoiding or limiting grass pollen exposure is to know when grass pollen is present in the air.  Dr. Dvorin collects, counts, and reports local air samples for the Delaware Valley every day Monday through Friday.  Pictured here is a grass pollen grain right from his microscope today. 

If you have grass pollen allergy and know your sensitivity, and know when grass pollen is present in your local air, you can avoid or limit your exposure by:

  • Limit time outdoors during the early morning hours when the most pollen is released into the air
  • Sleep with windows closed and drive with windows up (Don’t miss our recent blog Shut the Door, Seal the Windows )
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants when mowing the grass
  • Beware of tracking grass pollen into your home (kids and pets especially)
  • Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors

Grass Pollen Allergy Treatment

Grass pollen allergy treatment options are similar to other pollen treatments, and many factors will play a role on what is the best treatment plan for you.  If your allergies are making you miserable, it is best to see a qualified (board certified) allergist who can evaluate and help you manage your specific issues.  Allergies are often mis-diagnosed with other non-allergic conditions but with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment, it is possible to get relief!

Allergy shots have been shown to be of help to some individuals with grass pollen allergy.  Another form of immunotherapy, sub-lingual (where a tablet is dissolved under the tongue) has recently become available for the treatment of grass pollen allergy.  Unfortunately, studies have shown that this treatment works best when an individual has a single allergy but it is rare for an individual to only be allergic to grass pollen.  In The Asthma Center’s experience, it is much more common for individuals to have multiple triggers with unique levels of allergic sensitivity and therefore a personalized approach is required in order to achieve the best outcomes and help our patients get relief.

To benefit from allergy shots or sub-lingual immunotherapy, these treatments should be started approximately three months before the season.  While it may be too late to start allergy shots for the 2016 Spring season, it’s not too late to Get Relief, starting with allergy skin testing to determine your specific triggers and levels of allergic sensitivity!

 Did you know?

Research has established that allergies are “passed down, ”  and there is a clear hereditary risk.  When there is one parent with allergies, a child has approximately a 33%  risk of developing allergies.  When both parents have allergies, the risk jumps to approximately 70%.

Want to Know More About What’s in the Air?

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s only Official Pollen and Mold Spore count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms.The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

Manic Monday: Tree Pollen levels Extreme today in the Delaware Valley

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“Looks like a bad week for allergies.  Today tree pollen is extreme, and I expect to see peak tree pollen in the next five days,” says Dr. Dvorin as he finished today’s count.  The picture above was taken right from his microscope and features, Oak, Pine and Walnut tree pollen.

The Asthma Center’s phones are busy with reports of misery: nasal congestion and blockage, sneezing, itchy eyes, and coughing!

“Even though we have rain in the forecast for tonight,” Dr. Dvorin goes on, ”that’s only temporary and within 24-48 hours things are dried out and tree and grass pollen will be present in the air again. Rain and thunderstorms will lead to more outdoor mold spores as well.”

More than three quarters of today’s air sample is comprised of Oak tree pollen.  Oak is the predominant hardwood tree species in the Delaware Valley, and a single medium to large Oak tree can produce several million pollen grains.  When you consider how tiny each pollen grain is (24-38 micrometers), that’s a lot of tree pollen.

Keeping that in mind, it is no surprise in our area that Oak tree pollen often dominates the tree counts for stretches of time.

Birch Tree pollen grains are actually increased in today’s air sample for our area and comprise approximately 10% of tree pollen grains in the air.  Next largest in volume is Walnut tree pollen which amounts to between 6-9% of the tree pollen grains in the air. 

 

Two Stations are Better than One

At this point, our air samples take a turn which provides crucial information for allergy sufferers who know exactly which species trigger their symptoms (Allergy Skin Testing).  In Philadelphia, where there are more Mulberry trees (See Street Tree Mulberry Struts its Stuff), Mulberry is the fourth largest contributor of pollen grains to the air.  Across the Delaware in New Jersey, home of our national treasure the Pinelands, Pine trees are still pollinating and are the fourth largest contributor of pollen grains for this area.  Generally speaking, there is minimal variation between The Asthma Center’s urban (Philadelphia) and suburban (Cherry Hill, NJ) air sampling stations.  However, on days like today’s “Manic Monday” with extreme levels of tree pollen, it is critical for allergy sufferers to know what’s in the air in their local area.  It is also important to remember that weather and wind currents play a role in distributing pollen.  Tree pollen is light and can travel for miles, meaning Philadelphia air may contain pollen from the Jersey Pinelands and vice versa. That is why The Asthma Center uses two stations to get a better understanding of this expansive area.

Six other kinds of trees make up the remainder of tree pollen. They are in varying stages of their cycles – some at the end of their pollinating seasons while others are just getting started.  Outdoor Mold spores were increased (likely due to the rain in our area this past weekend) and remain in the high range.  Grass pollen is slightly increased today, and continues to be present at moderate levels. If you are extremely sensitive to this allergen, you may already be feeling symptoms of grass pollen allergy. 

 

Did You Know?

Manic Monday was released by The Bangles in 1986 on their album Different Light and peaked at No.2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. But did you know that the song was written by the recently deceased pop mega-star Prince? Under the pseudonym “Christopher”, Prince penned the song originally for the group Apollonia 6. Two years later, he offered it to The Bangles and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Want to Know More About What’s in the Air?

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s only Official Pollen and Mold Spore count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms.The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

Shut the Door, Seal the Windows: Catkins Are Here

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“We had colder temperatures overnight, but Tree pollen remains present at very high levels.  Again today, Oak tree pollen accounts more than 50% of the pollen in the air, here in the Delaware Valley, right now,” said Dr. Donald Dvorin. Before Oak tree pollen is released into the air, it is stored in nature’s warehouse which is the male Catkin (see picture above.)

While more than half of today’s air sample is comprised of Oak tree pollen, Juniper/Cedar and Walnut tree are tied for second place. Combined, these two kinds of tree pollen account for almost another 15% of all pollen grains in the air. Less than 5% of the pollen in our local air today is Birch tree pollen, which puts Birch at a distant third place.  The remaining 30% is made up of 6 other kinds of trees (some at the end of their pollinating seasons while others are just getting started.)  And let’s not forget Grass pollen rising, and Mold spores holding steady at high levels.  Regarding grass pollen, if you are extremely sensitive to this allergen, even though Grass pollen levels are moderate, you may already be feeling symptoms of grass pollen allergy.

Sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and many more symptoms of allergy alert us that pollen levels may be high.  Another warning sign is the yellow coating found each morning on car windshields, outdoor furniture, and even on pets who are outside in the morning when pollen counts are highest.

Another source of pollen exposure which often goes unrecognized:  For those who still receive newspapers delivered to their homes, these newspapers usually lay in your driveway or on your doorstep during the morning hours when most pollen is released into the air.  The result is that a layer of pollen collects on the plastic sleeve and then, unknowingly, a significant amount of pollen is brought into the home.

With tree pollens prevalent, and Oak tree pollen predominant, it helps to know how pollen travels.   For Oak (and many other trees), catkins are the pollen bearers.

What is a Catkin? (See Picture Above)

A catkin is a slim, cylindrical cluster of flowers without petals that you have undoubtedly seen covering your cars in the late spring. Catkins have a different look, texture, and color than foliage leaves and usually hang down from the tree’s branches.  The term Catkin refers to an Old Dutch word katteken, meaning “kitten.” This is because of the resemblance catkins have to a kitten’s tail.

Male catkins are the warehouse where pollen is stored.  To spread successfully, male catkins tend to dangle so that the slightest breeze might carry their pollens to their female counterparts. When the pollen reaches the female, acorn development begins.

As a direct result of this process, pollens find their way on our car windows and in our faces.  Over time, these drooping reproductive agents will fall from where they have formed, but not before wreaking havoc on allergy sufferers.

Beware: Catkins Attack!

You may be used to seeing catkins littering your windshield, depending on where you live. What you may not know is that failing to remove them could be dangerous for your vehicle.   There are several drains between the hood of your car and your windshield. Failing to routinely clear the catkins off of your windshield could lead to debris getting into your drains, resulting in water build up and eventual damage to the electrical components of your vehicle.

Double-Threat:

In addition, to posing a severe and costly threat to your automobile, catkins collecting on the hood of your car and your windshield pose a double-threat because pollen can enter your car through the vents.  If you have spring allergies, particularly tree pollen allergy, you likely know to keep your car windows up to avoid pollen exposure.  Unfortunately, you may have all your typical allergy symptoms of sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, congestion and more, if your car is not kept free of catkins–all because the tree pollen stored in catkins has made its way inside your vehicle!

Fallen catkins from an oak tree collect on the windshield of a car in Sarasota on Wednesday. Pollen released from the clusters are a common irritant to allergy sufferers. (March 19, 2014) (Herald-Tribune staff photo by Dan Wagner)
Fallen catkins from an oak tree collect on the windshield of a car in Sarasota on Wednesday. Pollen released from the clusters are a common irritant to allergy sufferers. (March 19, 2014) (Herald-Tribune staff photo by Dan Wagner)

Want to Know More About What’s in the Air?

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s only Official Pollen and Mold Spore count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

The best way to manage your allergies is to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms.The Asthma Center has 9 locations in PA & NJ with the following Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.

  • April 30: the Woodbury, NJ location will be seeing patients
  • May 7 and May 14: the Mount Laurel, NJ location will be seeing patients.
  • May 14 and June 4: the Langhorne, PA office will be seeing patients.
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