How often do you check the pollen count in Atlanta during allergy season? For many people with allergic rhinitis symptoms, monitoring the pollen count is a daily routine. High pollen levels can dictate whether you venture outdoors, avoid certain areas, and even when to schedule activities. By taking time to understand pollen counts, you can make smarter choices about your daily activities and better manage your allergy symptoms.
What Is the Pollen Count?
Pollen count measures the concentration of pollen in the air at a specific location over a 24-hour period. The count is recorded as the number of pollen grains per cubic meter of air. While sometimes used interchangeably with the pollen count, a “pollen forecast” is actually a prediction based on data from previous years and the current weather forecast.
Pollen is a powder-like substance that contains the material needed for plant reproduction. Grains of pollen are easily spread by the wind and can travel long distances. The most common types of pollen are tree pollen (birch, cedar, etc.), grass pollen (ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and so on) and weed pollen (including ragweed).
How Is the Pollen Count Measured?
Surviving high pollen counts is more manageable when you monitor the levels in your area. Thankfully this is possible today, as pollen is measured in many locations using standardized techniques.
Pollen counts are usually measured with a device called a Burkard spore trap. The trap uses a sticky slide to collect pollen spores over a 24-hour period. When the slide is removed it will be stained with dye and microscopically examined to get the pollen count. By collecting and analyzing samples from multiple locations, it’s possible to get a representative pollen count for the region.
When reporting the pollen count, the number of pollen grains per cubic meter is usually expressed as low, moderate, high, or very high. At a glance, anyone with hay fever can check the levels of pollen in the air and plan their day accordingly, or make adjustments to their schedule.
What Factors Can Affect Pollen Counts?
Additional factors will play a part in whether you suffer the common symptoms of hay fever. For instance, if it’s raining outside much of the pollen will actually be washed away. In contrast, on windy days pollen will be spread far and wide. The time of day also affects the pollen count, with data collected in Atlanta suggesting that pollen counts are usually highest later in the day.
There are proactive steps you can take when hay fever is negatively impacting your health. From monitoring pollen counts and closing windows at peak times, to using an air purifier and speaking to your allergist about immunotherapy treatment, you can stay on top of a pollen allergy with smart decision-making.
Protect Yourself From Atlanta’s High Pollen Counts With Expert Allergy Treatments
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides allergy testing and treatment for seasonal and food allergies. Visit one of our centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek for first-class allergy care. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
