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."

Smokers Beware: New Study Supports Lung Screening

macular degeneration. To further our understanding of smoking related lung disease, a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM May 12, 2016) found that 50% of so-called “healthy” smokers and ex-smokers (those with normal lung function by breathing tests) in fact have frequent lower tract respiratory exacerbation, activity limitations, and evidence of airways disease on lung CT. It is unclear if and when these individuals transition into conventionally defined COPD and how to treat these individuals.

Combination Inhaler Safety Confirmed By New Study

The Asthma Center physicians were investigators in a breakthrough clinical trial which serves as the basis for a new asthma study just released yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) which confirmed the safety of combination inhaled corticosteroids with long acting bronchodilators in patients with persistent asthma.

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.

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.