Extremely High Levels of Pollen Jump Start Allergy Season

Pollen levels in our air have reached a toxic level. With an extremely high pollen count of 5810 pollen grains per cubic meter, people spending time outdoors are sure to feel their symptoms surfacing as the season ushers in spring time allergens.

Allergist David T. Plaxico M.D. says, “For most people when [levels are] that high, most people if they have allergies or asthma, they're symptomatic.”

High levels of pollen are reported anywhere from 1500 and above. After a few significant showers in early March, the pollen has begun to flow more heavily with concentration counts nearing 6000! While most years provide us with a gradual increase in pollen levels, this year an exaggerated amount has become present in our air seemingly overnight.

Doctor Plaxico says, “If it had not rained this whole time, it would've been more even of a climb. It's just been a huge big spike because we have not had any rain to speak of. It’s just part of the natural flow of things but it’s just a bit behind because of weather so we're playing catch up so the count is very high.”

Knowing what to look for and keeping yourself educated is one of the best ways to combat this seasonal nuisance.

Flowering trees and trees with berries don't create much of a threat for our allergies. Trees like our cherry blossom trees in Macon don't release any pollen into the atmosphere but Doctor Plaxico says trees like oak trees and pine trees have little pollen tassels that release yellow pollen into our atmosphere and create quite a threat to our allergies.

And no matter what your age, race, or gender, pollen has no biases.

“It’s not selective, it can run over all races creeds and genders,” says Doctor Plaxico.

While high levels of pollen can create a difficult situation for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, it also impacts the overall quality of life, making it difficult for kids to participate in sports, and for adults to do necessary yard work. So, while the weather stays warm, breezy, and dry, prepare for a pollen filled spring.

For an up to date check on the daily pollen count, visit Dr. Plaxico’s website at drplaxico.com