Newswise — ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (March 20, 2012) – The first day of spring brings record high pollen counts to the Atlanta area, beating yesterday’s record by 1,200 points. Yesterday’s count was 8,164. Today’s 9,369 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air is 55 percent higher than the old record prior to this week of 6,013, set on April 12, 1999.
Anything more than 1,500 is considered "extremely high.” Last year, the highest pollen count measured in the Atlanta area was 3,939 on March 24.
“Weather conditions are particularly favorable for this ‘perfect storm’ of pollen, which is making an already extended allergy season even worse,” said allergist Stanley Fineman, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “We are seeing patients with allergy symptoms much worse than usual for this time of year.”
To find relief, allergy sufferers need to know what is causing their symptoms. Allergists are experts at diagnosing and treating allergies. “Allergy skin tests can be very helpful to identify triggers,” said Dr. Fineman.
Visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org to learn more about spring allergies and to find an allergist (link "find an allergist" to ) near you who can ensure you get the best treatment
About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.
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