Tales from the Microscope: Unusual Mold Alert

“I see a few of these every day, but today’s aspergillus-penicillium is unusual which may be related to increased humidity in our region.” That’s the word from Dr. Dvorin after counting today’s air sample. Typically, aspergillus-penicillium counts are under 100 mold spores per cubic meter of air/24 period. Today, aspergillus-penicillium counts are over 1400 mold spores per cubic meter of air/24 period. Exposure to mold spores can also provoke flares of asthma. Chronic sinusitis is also sometimes related to mold spore exposure. Other less common reactions to mold spores include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS.) The Asthma Center specialists have tremendous experience in evaluating and treating mold allergy including ABPA and AFS.

Rain Brings Trouble As Mold Spores Double

“Outdoor mold spores more than doubled compared to yesterday, “ reported Dr. Dvorin. “It’s the weather—the storms and the rain—and temperatures heating up.” In the past 30 days, the National Weather Service (NOAA) recorded more rain for Philadelphia/Mount Holly, NJ than for Seattle, WA!

Dvorin & Goldstein Field Questions: Pollen & Allergy Misery

Dr. Dvorin came into work early today so that he could not only collect and count today’s air samples, but also so that he could answer questions from subscribers who receive The Asthma Center’s Daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count direct to his or her inbox. Likewise Dr. Goldstein started his day early to help address the questions that are pouring into The Asthma Center. We hear the same questions (and sneezing) from members of the media, cashiers at our local 7-11s and WaWas, and the person sitting next to us on our commuter train, and the list goes on and on. We also hear the same questions from our patients (new and current) who are looking to The Asthma Center for ways to find relief from allergy misery.

Aging Oak Reigns…Horse Chestnut Blooms

“You can tell when pollen grains are older,” Dr. Dvorin explained. "Oak Tree pollen grains are still identifiable and predominant in both Mount Laurel and Philly air samples today, but they look ‘older’-- when pollen has been in the air for awhile, the grains start to break down, and compared to fresh and recently released pollen, they just look older."

Pollen Volume: We’ve Got the Full Story

“Volume is never the whole story.” You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again from Dr. Dvorin. Today, however, The Asthma Center is pleased to present Dr. Dvorin’s first local pollen count vlog, so you have a chance to hear him describe today’s pollen and mold count for the Delaware Valley.

Extreme Tree +More Grass & Molds = Misery Monday

“Oak Tree Pollen looks like it’s in the peak phase which will continue for the next seven days...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," warns Dr. Donald Dvorin

It’s Raining, Pouring: Local Pollen Count Soaring

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

Oak & Mulberry: Tree Pollen Battle Brewing

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.

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

“If you have allergies, you feel it. Tree pollen increased...Today is yet another example of how weather, pollen, and allergy symptoms are all related, “ says Dr. Dvorin. Compared to yesterday 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.

Thursday Tree Pollen Tale: Very High,Down Not Out

“When I saw the air samples...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...the kinds of pollen matter."