As the winds shift and hasten in warm spring days, the grain that carries plant reproduction cells, commonly known as pollen, is going airborne. That's bad news for the millions of people who have an over-sensitivity to this powdery substance. Many will need to use medications and other methods to combat the symptoms brought on by pollen. Certain spring days will cause more symptoms than others. It all depends upon the pollen count.
What is a Pollen Count?
Attempts at counting pollens go back over 100 years. Initially, researchers collected particles on adhesive coated slides. However, variables such as wind speed and particle size changed the number of particles coming to rest on a slide. This ultimately affected the accuracy of this method.
More recently, researchers have developed volumetric techniques that measure the concentration of pollen grains in the air. This gives them a better estimate of how much pollen people in the sampling area are coming into contact with.
"On windy days, or for several days following high winds, pollen counts are high because the pollen has been spread throughout the air," says Gillian Shepherd, MD, FAAAAI, chair of the Education Sub-Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "After it rains, counts drop as the rain washes the pollen away."
How to Find Out How Much Pollen is in the Air
Pollen is measured in grains per cubic meter. The Rotorod Sampler and the volumetric spore trap are two common ways to measure pollen in the air. In the Rotorod Sampler, pollen is trapped on the rotating rods of the machine, which is typically installed high above such as on a rooftop. A volumetric spore trap involves a suction trap whereby the wind propels air particles into a tunnel and the pollen spores are captured on a slide. Both devices allow pollen grains to be counted and reported.
To find out the official pollen count for an area, visit Pollen.com for a four-day forecast by zip code. The site also lists the best and worst U.S. cities in terms of pollen count and shows a national map with the highest and lowest pollen levels. The site also offers a free allergy symptom diary for those who register.
How To Decrease Symptoms of Spring Allergies
Pollen counts cannot be controlled, but there are some things allergy sufferers can do to decrease their exposure to spring allergens.
- Peak pollen times are between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to avoid being outdoors for prolonged periods during those times on high count pollen days.
- Close house and car windows on days of high pollen counts.
- Dry laundry indoors during the spring as pollen will stick to laundry hanging on a line.
- Shower immediately after spending time outdoors.
- Take allergy medications (talk to an allergist to determine the right medication) 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
For people who suffer severe symptoms during the spring, allergy shots or allergy drops may bring relief. Contact an allergist to determine the best course of action.
The spring pollen season can begin as early as late February and extend into the beginning of summer. Being aware of pollen counts and taking precautions on the days the counts are high can help spring allergy sufferers cope.
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