Pollen Counts in Little Rock
What is pollen and can it affect allergies?
Pollen is a very fine powdery substance that comes from trees, grass, and a variety of weeds. The time of year each of these bloom varies. In many areas trees are often the first to bloom in the spring followed by grass in the late spring and early summer and then weed pollen, like ragweed, blooms in the late summer and fall.
While pollen is harmless, however, those who develop allergies to certain types of pollen, may experience sneezing, sinus congestion, itchy watery eyes, and other common allergy symptoms. This occurs when your body’s immune system mistakes a harness substance for a harmful one and begins to release histamine upon contact with the pollen or allergen.
Common Allergy Symptoms:
- Sinus Congestion
- Runny Nose
- Post-Nasal Drip
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy or Watery Eyes
If you experience any of these symptoms and are struggling to control them, contact our offices!
Why Does The Pollen Count Matter?
Pollen is one of the most common causes of allergic rhinitis in our patients. Once you know which allergens are bothersome to you, we recommend tracking the pollen count in the Little Rock area to help reduce your contact to any pollens that cause your symptoms. You can find the Little Rock pollen count on different websites and usually on the local weather report. Environmental control products can also help reduce your expose to pollen by filtering it out of the air you breathe, however, they are not 100% effective.
Fortunately, immunotherapy may be an option to treat your pollen allergies. We recommend getting allergy tested to identify which allergens are bothersome; from there, our doctors can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind if you have pollen allergies:
- Use medication to control symptoms and get relief sooner.
- Wear a NIOSH N95 mask while outside doing yardwork.
- Shower after being outside, wash your hair to remove pollen.
- Keep your car and house windows closed in the late summer and fall to prevent the outside from coming inside.
- Use and replace filters in air conditioners and furnaces to keep inside air clean. Use a dehumidifier to control the humidity in damp basements that cause mold.
Don’t wait until you are suffering to do something about your allergies. Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists, and more towards a clearer tomorrow!