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Oak’s No Joke: Packing an Early Punch this Spring

“I’m seeing unusual pollen distribution for Pine and Oak tree species,” says Dr. Dvorin, our expert pollen counter & board certified allergist. After counting today’s pollen and noting the oak and pine tree pollen levels, Dr. Dvorin took time to analyze his data from past spring seasons.

“Past peak levels for these trees support the common view that Oak and Pine trees are usually later-spring pollinators,” he continues. “This matters because Oak trees are one of the most common trees in the Delaware Valley.”

Dr. Dvorin goes on to explain that the sheer volume of pollen produced by Oak trees places it at the top of the list of “allergy-causing culprits” every spring in our area.  “Unfortunately, just because the season arrived early and some trees are pollinating earlier doesn’t translate into a short season or an earlier end to allergy symptoms” says Dr. Dvorin. Once the allergies are triggered, even small amounts of a trigger (like pollen) or other irritants can cause misery.

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s only official pollen count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau (NAB).  Dr. Dvorin has directly contributed not only to the field of pollen collection and counting for many years, but patients benefit directly from his work.  Not only can allergy sufferers learn “what’s in the air,” the allergy specialists at The Asthma Center can test whether or not what’s in the air is triggering your specific symptoms.  For example, The Asthma Center tests for types of oak tree pollen common to our area.

Did you know?

Spring sneezing and nasal congestion are just two of the many symptoms commonly associated with tree pollen allergy.  Did you know that these symptoms lead to a telltale sign on the face?  Not surprisingly, many allergy sufferers develop the habit of wiping or rubbing their nose in an upwards manner (known as the “allergic salute.”)  Over time, this can lead to an observable crease across the nose.  The habit develops, in part, because in addition to wiping mucus away, the act of pushing up the nose temporarily props open the air passages in the nostril to provide relief. 

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.

To watch Dr Dvorin’s explanation of the El Nino effect on our pollen season, CLICK HERE.

 

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The Asthma Center • (215) 569-1111 • (856) 316-0300
205 N. Broad Street Suite 300 Philadelphia, PA 19107
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The allergy doctors and asthma doctors at The Asthma Center strive to provide the best allergy, asthma, immunology, and sinus care to patients using the latest diagnostic tools and treatment strategies in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Our allergists are focused on fostering strong communication with patients and improving quality of life. We have decades of medical experience treating patients, and our allergists are recognized as Top Doctors and Super Doctors, including Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors. Taking care of our patients is our top priority!