Pollen Count

Just as an update on a couple recent posts....

First, look for the addition of the Vogmasks to our mask line up. We're a couple weeks away, but this will also include a product review by Achoo staffers. We had been leaning towards giving these masks a trial run, and the positive feedback to this post just gave that effort a little more momentum. The feedback is very appreciated! Besides, that's why we're here - to provide the products you want!

Second, the pollen count yesterday in Atlanta was 8164, and that smashed the old record... until this morning. The current count from this morning is 9369, and judging by the amount of sniffling sneezers, it's not going unnoticed.

The margin of difference between the last week's record and the new one, as it relates to Mr. Chestnut? 106. I think your record is safe for now Joey.

As we settle in to the last official day of winter (who knew, right?), temperatures across the south have been hovering around record highs - Think 80-85 degrees. Like the high temperatures, pollen counts are also setting records, and for many allergy and asthma sufferers, all of these records mean miserable weeks ahead.

This morning, the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic recored a pollen count of 8164. This leaves the old record, set in 1999, in the dust - figuratively in that the old record was 6013, and literally, like the greenish/yellow cloud of pollen that is currently blanketing the city.*

From sore throats and sneezing to pain in the ears and congestion, allergy symptoms can truly make a person miserable. To combat some of the record setting pollen and allergy symptoms, there are a variety of things you can do to reduce exposure.

First, limit your time outdoors while the pollen is the heaviest. If you must spend significant time outdoors, consider wearing at least an inexpensive dust mask if not a true allergy mask. Second, keep up with the cleaning and vacuuming. Each time your, a family member or pet comes back in, pollen is hitching a ride into your home, so it's important to keep these allergens from spreading throughout the house.

For pets, pet wipes are handy to have in that you can quickly wipe your pet's coat and paws as they enter the house. They are a great way to prevent the pollen paw prints all over your floors. Family members and guests should be encouraged to take their shoes off at the door.

Opening the windows is something many people enjoy, particularly during temperate spring months. This can mean letting in a lot of pollen during peak months, but to combat this, try a window filter. While they do not eliminate all particles, they allows some fresh air in while trapping most of the pollen in the outdoor air.

Lastly, irrigate. Proper use of a neti pot or nasal irrigator can not only clear away pollen and allergens trapped in your sinuses, but they can also rinse away congestion. And nasal irrigation is not just to relieve symptoms in your nose and sinuses. Nasal irrigation can also sometimes help relieve pain in the ears that is caused by sinus pressure.

With warm, dry weather driving pollen counts up, St. Patrick's Day isn't the only reason you'll see green. Just remember a few simple steps, and don't let seasonal allergies get you down.





*The old pollen count record not only fell, but was crushed by over 30%. To put this into perspective.... For someone to beat Joey Chesnut's record (68) at the Nathan's hot dog eating contest by the same margin, they'd have to consume 93 hot dogs!

Knowing that you can do something to take charge of your allergy symptoms is empowering, especially if you've resigned yourself to the sniffling, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes as facts of your life. Butallergen avoidance and environmental control can really change an allergy sufferer's life.

When implementing an allergen avoidance routine, your first steps should include using basic environmental control products, such as air purifiers in the bedroom and allergy relief bedding. In addition, practicing the following simple daily habits will help keep allergy symptoms in check so that you can live every day breathing better:

• Cleanse nasal passages with a neti pot. Most allergens find their way into your body through your nose. Flushing allergens out of your nasal passages gets rid of many allergens before they can set the allergic response in motion. Keep a neti pot, and safe water, within arm's reach in the bathroom and make a habit of using it every morning and any time allergens are especially pervasive, such as after dusting or when pollen counts are high.


• Prevent dry skin by moisturizing. Slathering lotion on dry skin doesn't do as much as sealing in moisture by applying lotion after washing hands or showering. Overly dry skin can lead to eczema flare-ups, and a compromised skin barrier allows allergens to enter your body through the skin. Be sure that your lotion itself doesn't cause problems; choose moisturizers without fragrances and other irritating chemicals.


• Implement a shoes-off policy. It's astounding the amount of chemicals and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and more that we track into our homes on our shoes. Make it a practice to take shoes off at the door, and find a way to politely suggest that guests do the same.


• Keep pets out of the bedroom and off of upholstered furniture. For most pet owners, Fido and Fluffy are part of the family. But to reduce allergy symptoms, it's important to keep pets out of the bedroom and off of upholstered furniture in order to reduce the amount of lingering pet dander. Provide designated, comfortable areas for pets to relax and train them to stay away from allergen magnets. For more on pet allergies, see Surviving Pet Allergies


• Check pollen counts. Knowing what you are allergic to and when and where those allergens are abundant is the core concept of all allergen avoidance measures. Especially during spring and fall, check pollen counts and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Note that particular times of day can be higher than others.


• Choose allergy-fighting foods. With growing evidence that nutrition plays a vital role both in the formation of allergies and in how susceptible we are to the effects of allergens, learning about foods that help allergies and incorporating them into your diet is another easy way to minimize allergy attacks.