Do you have a runny nose, cough and sore throat? It might sound like a cold or the flu, but it could actually be allergies. It's hard to believe that allergies would be kicking in as early at February, but it's true.
Unusually high pollen counts are popping up in several states, including Georgia.
In Atlanta, each day the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic reports the pollen count for the metropolitan area. Last week the numbers were under 100 each day. However, this week the counts are climbing close to 1,000. Wednesday's pollen count was 742.
Typically, the peek pollen season is late March into early April, so we will be seeing even higher pollen counts coming.
At this moment, trees are the sources of the nasty stuff. Trees are the first pollen producers of the spring season, including alder, cedar and elm trees. Oak trees will come later in the season along with grass.
The pollen count numbers go as follows:
0-14 = Low
15-89 = Moderate
90-1499 = High
1500+ = Extremely High
Atlanta is well known for having bad allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released a list of 100 worst cities for people with asthma, last year. Atlanta is number 10. A big problem for allergy suffers in Atlanta is the high pollen count.
Other things that add to the problem, include:
1. Stressful work settings - Stress hormones may stimulate the production of IgE, blood proteins that cause allergic reactions.
2. Drinking alcohol - Bacteria and yeast in the alcohol produce histamines, chemicals that cause telltale allergy symptoms like stuffy nose and itchy eyes.
3. Showering in the morning - If you’re prone to pollen allergies, slip off your shoes, throw your clothes in the hamper, and shower as soon as you get home to avoid dragging particles all over your home
4. Too cool washing water – A study reveals laundering cotton sheets at 140°F killed 100-percent of dust mites, while a warm 104°F wash destroyed just 6.5-percent.
5. Houseplants - More than 75-percent of hay fever sufferers are allergic to at least one common houseplant.
Comments
Aaa-aaa-aaaaaaaaaaa-CHOO!
Very helpful! I had no idea that alcohol produced histamines.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!