How to measure pollen counts this spring
Got allergies? Find out why and how certain trees affect people.
Spring has sprung. With Spring comes allergies. You know what that means. Sniffles, sinus headaches, and miserable scratchy throats. What makes your sinuses react to the change of weather?
Well, you can thank the pollen count for making you feel miserable. You hear about pollen and all the effects it has on people, but do you really know how they count it?
Photo by Kie-ker
kie-ker from Pixabay
Have you ever wondered how to measure pollen counts? You may be surprised to learn that the process is quite simple. The Rotarod system is used to gather a sample of pollen from the air. The system has a clear rod that is greased to allow pollen grains to stick. It evaluates the air quality for a 24-hour period. Once the test is completed, experts see how many grains of pollen are covering the rod. Counting the pollen grains is easy, and then it's measured per cubic meter of air. Then, the counts are calculated into information the public can use. Once they have a verdict, the official will generalize the pollen count as low, moderate, or high, as that is the information released to the proper authorities to share. If you have allergies, then it’s essential to tune into your local forecast to be proactive against sinus issues.
Photo by Getty Images
Getty Images
If you are prone to allergy issues, then you can’t lock yourself inside the house when there are high pollen counts. The key is to tackle your allergy symptoms early so that you can stay ahead of the pollen count game.
There are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for allergies that are safe and effective to use. Additionally, you must keep your home sparkling clean to avoid allergies.
Did you know that your abode is the perfect breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and those that will irritate the sinuses? While seasonal allergies are troublesome, if your home has irritants floating around, you can fight these issues all year long. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to combat this ongoing problem.
Photo by Capri23auto
Capri23auto from Pixabay
Dusting is a thankless job that seems to be never-ending. But it’s necessary to clear the pollen and stave off allergies. However, many people don’t realize that they are doing it incorrectly. Never use a dry rag as it just spreads the dust and pollen from the surface to the air. Rather, opt for a wet cloth that can pick up the debris and trap it. Did you know that some people are so sensitive to dust that they must use gloves and a facial mask while cleaning?
There are a ton of allergens floating around in your home. Chlorinated bleach is the best thing to combat mold and bacteria. The inside of your washing machine appears to be the cleanest place in the home. However, the washer can be a breeding ground for fungi. Things around your house like your curtains, towels, and rugs should always be washed in hot water as it helps to kill any bacteria.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
Do you have a horrible time sleeping due to your allergies? There is a trick to help you get a better night’s sleep. If you shower in the mornings, then you should change to showering before bed. Pollen gets trapped in your hair and skin throughout the day, and it can aggravate your allergies at night. A quick shower will keep you from getting all that pollen on the bed, and you will get a better night of rest.
Photo by Anna Shvets
Anna Shvets from Pexels
You love your cat or dog, and many people want them to cuddle and sleep with them. However, if you have any allergies to pet dander, then it can be a real problem. It’s best to keep the pets off the bed so that they don’t drag any allergens into your sleeping space. It’s counterproductive to clean and shower at night only to have an animal bring all the dander and bacteria back into your bed. Your pets aren’t immune to the spring onslaught of allergies either. Keep their care in mind as you try to manage your own allergies.
Photo by Elly Fairytale
Elly Fairytale from Pexels
With Spring bringing out flavorful treats, some may do more harm than good. We’re not just talking about adding a pound or two. Some foods, like apples, can actually make your Spring allergies worse.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez
Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Don't let seasonal allergies get you down. There are many ways that you can take control and help yourself to suffer less this time of year. One of the best things you can do is to tune into your local weather forecast. Meteorologists will let you know if there are high pollen counts and other things to take note of to help you combat allergies. Being proactive will ensure you suffer less and enjoy the beautiful weather that springtime brings.
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News / AccuWeather Ready
How to measure pollen counts this spring
By Staff, AccuWeather
Got allergies? Find out why and how certain trees affect people.
Spring has sprung. With Spring comes allergies. You know what that means. Sniffles, sinus headaches, and miserable scratchy throats. What makes your sinuses react to the change of weather?
Well, you can thank the pollen count for making you feel miserable. You hear about pollen and all the effects it has on people, but do you really know how they count it?
Photo by Kie-ker
The measuring process for pollen
Have you ever wondered how to measure pollen counts? You may be surprised to learn that the process is quite simple. The Rotarod system is used to gather a sample of pollen from the air. The system has a clear rod that is greased to allow pollen grains to stick. It evaluates the air quality for a 24-hour period. Once the test is completed, experts see how many grains of pollen are covering the rod. Counting the pollen grains is easy, and then it's measured per cubic meter of air. Then, the counts are calculated into information the public can use. Once they have a verdict, the official will generalize the pollen count as low, moderate, or high, as that is the information released to the proper authorities to share. If you have allergies, then it’s essential to tune into your local forecast to be proactive against sinus issues.
Photo by Getty Images
Taking a proactive stance against pollen
If you are prone to allergy issues, then you can’t lock yourself inside the house when there are high pollen counts. The key is to tackle your allergy symptoms early so that you can stay ahead of the pollen count game.
There are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for allergies that are safe and effective to use. Additionally, you must keep your home sparkling clean to avoid allergies.
Did you know that your abode is the perfect breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and those that will irritate the sinuses? While seasonal allergies are troublesome, if your home has irritants floating around, you can fight these issues all year long. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to combat this ongoing problem.
Photo by Capri23auto
1- Keep the dust away
Dusting is a thankless job that seems to be never-ending. But it’s necessary to clear the pollen and stave off allergies. However, many people don’t realize that they are doing it incorrectly. Never use a dry rag as it just spreads the dust and pollen from the surface to the air. Rather, opt for a wet cloth that can pick up the debris and trap it. Did you know that some people are so sensitive to dust that they must use gloves and a facial mask while cleaning?
Photo by Andrew Buchanan
2- Prevent mold and bacteria growth
There are a ton of allergens floating around in your home. Chlorinated bleach is the best thing to combat mold and bacteria. The inside of your washing machine appears to be the cleanest place in the home. However, the washer can be a breeding ground for fungi. Things around your house like your curtains, towels, and rugs should always be washed in hot water as it helps to kill any bacteria.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
3- Change your shower schedule
Do you have a horrible time sleeping due to your allergies? There is a trick to help you get a better night’s sleep. If you shower in the mornings, then you should change to showering before bed. Pollen gets trapped in your hair and skin throughout the day, and it can aggravate your allergies at night. A quick shower will keep you from getting all that pollen on the bed, and you will get a better night of rest.
Photo by Anna Shvets
4- Beware of pet dander
You love your cat or dog, and many people want them to cuddle and sleep with them. However, if you have any allergies to pet dander, then it can be a real problem. It’s best to keep the pets off the bed so that they don’t drag any allergens into your sleeping space. It’s counterproductive to clean and shower at night only to have an animal bring all the dander and bacteria back into your bed. Your pets aren’t immune to the spring onslaught of allergies either. Keep their care in mind as you try to manage your own allergies.
Photo by Elly Fairytale
5- Watch what you eat
With Spring bringing out flavorful treats, some may do more harm than good. We’re not just talking about adding a pound or two. Some foods, like apples, can actually make your Spring allergies worse.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez
Don't let seasonal allergies get you down. There are many ways that you can take control and help yourself to suffer less this time of year. One of the best things you can do is to tune into your local weather forecast. Meteorologists will let you know if there are high pollen counts and other things to take note of to help you combat allergies. Being proactive will ensure you suffer less and enjoy the beautiful weather that springtime brings.
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