Pollen Count: What Does it Mean?

If you experience the sniffles and watery eyes of seasonal allergies, you may be wondering: What’s up with the pollen count numbers?

Arthur "Skip" A. Moeller, DO, Avera Medical Group Ear, Nose & Throat and Otolaryngology specialist, offers insights on the measurement.

What does pollen count mean?

Answer: It is a measurement of pollen concentration in the air. Scientists often put it in terms as the number of grains of pollen per cubic meter of air. When you know the concentration level, you can better predict the level that may lead to symptoms. For most people, a pollen count reported as low, medium, high or very high is enough to best prepare for it.

How can a person make use of a pollen count in avoiding issues with allergies?

A: If you know you have an allergy to a particular pollen or family of pollens, you can plan avoidance measures when the count is high. Or anticipate the need to have medications available for treatment management, when pollen levels begin to rise.

Are there good sources for getting an accurate pollen count?

A: There are several apps that report pollen counts. I frequently use pollen count information provided in The Weather Channel app. I also tend to frequently reference the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology’s website at Aaaai.org.

Any tips for treating seasonal allergies?

A: Avoiding pollens you are allergic to can be very difficult. Moving to a geographical location where you don’t have allergies is rarely an option. You may not be able to avoid all exposure. Look for ways to limit it, including some simple measures that tend to help us the most:

• Make sure you are changing the filters on you home heating and cooling units as recommended.
• If you spend time outdoors, remember that your clothing acts like a sponge and will collect pollen. You may later inhale it if you continue to wear the same clothing indoors. Outerwear, especially sweatshirts and hats, need to be removed as soon as you come indoors.

See your primary care provider to help with symptoms or refer you to an allergy specialist.