August 18, 2016

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.

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) with stations, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

“Ragweed surged,” Dr. Dvorin states simply.

“It was textbook weather conditions really,” he goes on to explain “with a thunderstorm over night Tuesday into Wednesday followed by a day of hot, dry, windy weather—and the result is a lot more ragweed pollen in the air. “

Today’s photo, taken by Dr. Dvorin, shows a ragweed pollen grain from today’s air sample. Note the classic “spikes” which distinguish this troublesome pollen.

Today’s pollen and outdoor mold count from The Asthma Center, the Delaware Valley’s only official count station certified by the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) is:

Tree pollen is very low.

Grass pollen is very low.

Ragweed pollen is moderate.

Other Weed pollen is low.

Outdoor Mold Spore* levels are extreme.

*Aspergillus-Penicillium molds are strikingly high again today. For more on this unusual outdoor mold level and what it means, read Dr. Dvorin’s blog from June 21, 2016 Tales from the Microscope: Unusual Mold Alert

Predominant: Ragweed & Outdoor Mold Spores Outdoor mold spore levels have been elevated and are expected to remain elevated consistent with heat, humidity and rainfall in our area.

It’s not too late to get Ragweed Ready— The Asthma Center specialists recommend three key steps now!

Based on Dr. Dvorin’s historical data, ragweed pollen can be expected to flood the air in the Delaware Valley in the next few weeks. The Asthma Center specialist recommend taking three key steps now to keep from suffering (and sneezing) through the fall allergy season (steps are detailed in our recent blog: Ragweed Readiness: The Three Keys)

#Ragweed #FastFact

Ragweed pollen has been found 400 miles out to sea (Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.)

While it is true that ragweed is very light and easily dispersed by winds, The Asthma Center specialists do not recommend cancelling vacations or avoiding trips down the shore based on the above #fastfact.

Typically, less ragweed pollen seems to be found around large bodies of water, so the seashore is a likely area for relief for pollen sufferers.

Ragweed does blanket most of the United States with the sparing only the southernmost tip of Florida, Northern Maine, and the northern West Coast. Traveling or vacationing to these or other areas with minimal ragweed plants may also bring relief.

Be sure to download Allergies & Asthma Travel Tips 101 for tips on reducing your exposure to ragweed pollen while on vacation.

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

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma 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! At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief. One way we accomplish this by identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little, or too much allergy medication.

Did You Know – Pollen & Mold Spore Counts Direct to Your Inbox!

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 are now available via email. 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.