N.O. metro pollen counts aggravate allergies with a 'vengenace'

New Orleans CityBusiness, Apr 4, 2007 by CityBusiness Staff

Pollen and mold levels are now being measured daily by The Ochsner Department of Allergy's Pollen Counter Machine. Ochsner is conducting official pollen counts for the National Allergy Bureau.

Located on the roof of the Ochsner Research Building on Jefferson Highway, the Pollen Counter is monitored by Ochsner Allergist Dr. Edward Davis and Helen Weaver, a certified NAB pollen counter. Daily pollen and mold spore samples are posted at www.ochsner.org.

"We are seeing more than our typical number of patients coming in with severe allergy complaints," said Davis. "Last year, we didn't see as many patients with allergy problems most likely because of Katrina didn't allow these plants a chance to bloom, so it wasn't as big of a problem. But, now allergy season's back with a vengeance."

Davis said people with stuffed-up noses and itchy, watery eyes should spend as much time as possible indoors. Air conditioning will help to filter the air and allergy sufferers should keep outdoors activities to a minimum early in the morning when pollen is at its worst.

Yellow dust visible on cars comes mostly from pine and oak trees. Oak is a common pollen that can cause allergy symptoms while pine is not.

Less rainfall than normal is to blame for the high pollen count since rain removes pollen from the air. "Unless we have a rain shower, people could be having symptoms for quite some time," said Davis.

Tree and grass pollen readings are also registering particularly high.

Some allergy sufferers wear a mask when doing yard work and change clothes and shower immediately after coming inside. Beware of washing pollen off surfaces, which can cause it to become airborne, and cause more exposure. For more information on the Burkard Pollen Counter and allergy season, visit www.ochsner.org or www.aaaai.org/ nab.