April 21, 2016
allergies, allergy, allergy symptoms, catkins, local pollen count, oak tree pollen, pollen, pollen count, The Asthma Center

“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. Before Oak tree pollen is released into the air, it is stored in nature’s warehouse which is the male Catkin (see picture above.)

While more than half of today’s air sample is comprised of Oak tree pollen, Juniper/Cedar and Walnut tree are tied for second place. Combined, these two kinds of tree pollen account for almost another 15% of all pollen grains in the air. Less than 5% of the pollen in our local air today is Birch tree pollen, which puts Birch at a distant third place.  The remaining 30% is made up of 6 other kinds of trees (some at the end of their pollinating seasons while others are just getting started.)  And let’s not forget Grass pollen rising, and Mold spores holding steady at high levels.  Regarding grass pollen, if you are extremely sensitive to this allergen, even though Grass pollen levels are moderate, you may already be feeling symptoms of grass pollen allergy.

Sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and many more symptoms of allergy alert us that pollen levels may be high.  Another warning sign is the yellow coating found each morning on car windshields, outdoor furniture, and even on pets who are outside in the morning when pollen counts are highest.

Another source of pollen exposure which often goes unrecognized:  For those who still receive newspapers delivered to their homes, these newspapers usually lay in your driveway or on your doorstep during the morning hours when most pollen is released into the air.  The result is that a layer of pollen collects on the plastic sleeve and then, unknowingly, a significant amount of pollen is brought into the home.

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.

What is a Catkin? (See Picture Above)

A catkin is a slim, cylindrical cluster of flowers without petals that you have undoubtedly seen covering your cars in the late spring. Catkins have a different look, texture, and color than foliage leaves and usually hang down from the tree’s branches.  The term Catkin refers to an Old Dutch word katteken, meaning “kitten.” This is because of the resemblance catkins have to a kitten’s tail.

Male catkins are the warehouse where pollen is stored.  To spread successfully, male catkins tend to dangle so that the slightest breeze might carry their pollens to their female counterparts. When the pollen reaches the female, acorn development begins.

As a direct result of this process, pollens find their way on our car windows and in our faces.  Over time, these drooping reproductive agents will fall from where they have formed, but not before wreaking havoc on allergy sufferers.

Beware: Catkins Attack!

You may be used to seeing catkins littering your windshield, depending on where you live. What you may not know is that failing to remove them could be dangerous for your vehicle.   There are several drains between the hood of your car and your windshield. Failing to routinely clear the catkins off of your windshield could lead to debris getting into your drains, resulting in water build up and eventual damage to the electrical components of your vehicle.

Double-Threat:

In addition, to posing a severe and costly threat to your automobile, catkins collecting on the hood of your car and your windshield pose a double-threat because pollen can enter your car through the vents.  If you have spring allergies, particularly tree pollen allergy, you likely know to keep your car windows up to avoid pollen exposure.  Unfortunately, you may have all your typical allergy symptoms of sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, congestion and more, if your car is not kept free of catkins–all because the tree pollen stored in catkins has made its way inside your vehicle!

Want to Know More About What’s in the Air?

The Asthma Center is the Delaware Valley’s only Official Pollen and Mold Spore count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau.  Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Get Relief-Saturday appointments are available!

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

• April 30: the Woodbury, NJ location will be seeing patients
• May 7 and May 14: the Mount Laurel, NJ location will be seeing patients.
• May 14 and June 4: the Langhorne, PA office will be seeing patients.