Allergy Symptoms Out of Control As Pollen Count Skyrockets

Allergy sufferers throughout the northeast are finding themselves in the midst of a particularly brutal season as meteorological conditions over the past few months combined to create the perfect storm for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

“What we have seen is that we had a very prolonged winter with lots of snow, which provided a lot of wonderful moisture for plants and trees,” allergy specialist Dr. Neeta Ogden, spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, told VIN News.  “Our spring was a little delayed this year and what usually happens is that you see tree pollens hitting in April and grass pollens in May and June.  Instead, what we are seeing is that all the pollen is hitting at once and people are experiencing such severe symptoms that typical medicines aren’t working.”

Pollen counts measure the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air, typically collected on a rod coated with a sticky substance attached to the roof of a building, as described by the Pollen.com website.

Pollen counts over eight are considered to be high and today’s count is expected to hit 10.7 in the New York City area and reach11.1 by Sunday.  Pollen counts are exceptionally steep throughout the northeast, in an area that stretches from Maine through Maryland and as far west as Michigan and Indiana. Today’s highest counts nationwide are expected in Buffalo, Cleveland, Rochester, Burlington, Vermont and Erie, Pennsylvania.

While the current pollen counts aren’t record breaking they are leaving even those who typically have mild symptoms reaching for the Kleenex and rubbing their eyes.

“Now that the moisture is gone and the heat is in, it is an optimal environment for the pollen to flourish and disseminate,” said Dr. Ogden.

Unfortunately, relief is nowhere in sight.

“It is just going to be ugly for the next few weeks,” observed Dr. Ogden.  “Typically pollen peters out by early June but my instinct is it is going to last longer, maybe until the end of June.”

Dr. Ogden recommended both over the counter anti histamines and steroid nasal sprays, but also suggested taking preventive measures.

“Avoidance is a huge part,” said Dr. Ogden.  “Keep your windows closed and use your air conditioning.  As tempting as it is to spend Mother’s Day outside, don’t do it because you will suffer in the end.”