TGIF: Tree pollen Grains Increased Friday

“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. 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.

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."

Weathering Wednesday: Tree Pollen Won’t Wash Away

“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. 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.

Extreme Tree+Grass Misery = Terrible Pollen 2sday

“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.” 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.

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

“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!

Shut the Door, Seal the Windows: Catkins Are Here

“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. 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.

Blue Skies, Red Eyes: Oak Pollen on the Rise

“Without a doubt, Oak tree pollen is predominant right now and accounts for two thirds of all the pollen grains in today’s air sample,” says Dr. Dvorin. “Our patients are experiencing more eye symptoms this week,” he explained. “It’s why I set aside the time to count—to know exactly what’s in the local air today, our air right here, right now.”

Frosty Night for Locals: Understanding Spring Cold Snap

“It’s interesting how clear the air gets when there’s frost,” remarks Dr. Dvorin, Delaware Valley’s only official pollen and mold spore counter as he finished counting today’s air sample. “Our patients who have been struggling with allergies and nasal congestion say there is some relief with this cold snap,” Dr. Dvorin reports. “With trees and freezing temperatures, the buds that had started to open will tighten up to protect the process,” he explains. “And if temperatures warm up - trees usually need about 48 hours or so—the buds will begin to reopen.”

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 pollens and noting the oak and pine tree pollen levels, Dr. Dvorin took time to analyze his data from past spring seasons.

Get Ready Before Local Pollen Attacks: In the Air, On Your Car, Up Your Nose

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 Saturday hours in addition to our normal Monday – Friday business hours.