Pollen count in Mountain Empire highest in quite some time

Chances are if you’ve walked outside recently, you have seen the thick yellow dust clinging to cars and other surfaces.

 And you might be one of those suffering with sneezing, congestion or a runny nose as a result. That’s because these days the pollen count in the area is at some of the highest levels in quite some time, local health officials say. Local urgent clinics said they’ve definitely seen an influx of walk-in patients dealing with allergies and their symptoms.

“The pollen count recently has been in the high 600s and normally it’s in the 400s for this time of year,” said Sarah Belcher, a local family nurse practitioner with the Allergic Diseases Asthma and Immunology Clinic in Johnson City.

There are many factors as to why pollen levels are so high so early in the season and one of them is the warmer weather.

“We have been seeing very warmer temperatures, therefore giving us an earlier spring season. It’s almost as if the weather and pollen has gotten confused and as a result, this period of pollen may last longer that people actually want,” Belcher added.

And with the early spring come lots of blooming plants, trees and grass – all culprits when it comes to allergies.

According to Anthony Shelton, with the Washington County, Tenn., Extension Office, any type of budding tree or flower ultimately produces pollen and soon the grass will begin to produce pollen, which is sure to cause more problems.

“With the influx in temperatures and weather patterns, it seems like it’s never going to end,” said Lisa Rudy, an allergy suffer and Bristol resident.

 According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, trees, particularly birch, cedar, cottonwood and pine, are big allergy triggers for every area of the country. On top of that, ragweed is a big offender, as it can grow in nearly every environment.

“It almost makes you want to stay inside and away from everything, because not long after stepping outside you become overwhelmed with allergies, plus your cars become dirty as well,” Rudy said. 

The American Allergy, Asthma and Immunology keep a daily track of pollen levels of grass, molds, weeds and trees. Pollen and mold counts are obtained from different pollen counting stations throughout the country.

 Data is gathered using a Rotorod Aeroallergen Sampler, a portable sampler with an arm that holds two cubical rods coated with silicon grease, which attracts the pollen. Each state has a pollen counting station that shares the data with local agencies and those findings are then given to the National Allergy Bureau.

Some helpful tips that the Allergic Diseases Clinic recommends are to take over-the-counter medications or a nasal spray to alleviate symptoms. They also recommend keeping your windows rolled up while driving.

Belcher advised that anytime you’ve been outside; whether it’s for five minutes or five hours, always take a shower first thing when you come inside.

“This area is already seeing conditions that we would normally see in late April or early May, and there’s no telling what the next few weeks will bring,” Belcher stated.