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.

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.