High pollen levels at Boise cause severe allergies

The signs of the allergy season are evident in the Treasure Valley. In addition to flowers, budding trees and lush grasses, the pollen that they release is easy to spot.

This pollen covers garden furniture and is deposited on the surface of Boise ponds in layers of bright yellow. And most importantly, he leaves people in the area with itchy eyes, sore throat and runny nose.

"Last month, patients were more miserable than usual for this time of year," said Brianne Ayers, Allergy Group's medical assistant in Boise.

Ayers is also the only pollen counter certified by the National Allergy Bureau in Treasure Valley. She analyzes pollen samples taken from a Rotorod sampler at the top of Meridian Hospital in St. Luke, inspecting the spores on slides to identify the plants from which they come.

The results are published on the Allergy Group website approximately twice a week. Over the past month, the number of Ayers pollen has fluctuated between "high" and "very high", with trees such as juniper, elm, poplar and, most recently, pine releasing pollen flushes. .

"It's normal for pollen to be high at this time of year, but it's abnormally high this year," Ayers said. "The pine is still very dense right now, and I'm expecting grasses and weeds to be quite severe this year."

She added that common allergens such as ragweed have not started to pollinate locally, despite online forecasts.

"I tend to discourage these forecasts (forecasts)," said Ayers.

Some offer forecasts based on weather forecasts and past data on pollen counts rather than on local pollen analysis, she said.

A popular forecast site, pollen.com, calls for a significant reduction in the number of pollens by the end of the week, as weather forecasts anticipate much cooler rainfall and temperatures in the valley. And while rain can "cut down" pollen, Ayers said, the consequences could be worse for people with allergies, as weeds and rain-loving weeds begin to pollinate.

What to do if you have allergies

There are several symptoms of seasonal allergies, many of which can be very similar to the symptoms of colds and flu.

"Generally, if someone has itching, watery eyes, itchy nose, a slight fever … I'm thinking of allergies," said Derek Hamblin, emergency physician from the Primary Health Medical Group.

A dry cough, itchy throat, post-nasal discharge and even mild fatigue may be allergy symptoms, said Hamblin, who sees several patients a day for allergies or allergy-related problems. , such as sinusitis. Before going to the emergency room, he says, you can try over-the-counter medications for mild symptoms.

"Try a long acting antihistamine such as Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra once a day," said Hamblin. "If the symptoms are really serious, they can also try Benadryl, but it can tire them."

For nasal and eye symptoms, nasal sprays such as Flonase can provide relief, Hamblin added. But if anyone has a fever, breathing difficulties or chest congestion, Hamblin advises to show up for an exam.

In addition to medications, there are other ways to alleviate your allergy symptoms, Ayers said.

"Allergies are always important to avoid allergies," she said.

Limit time spent outside and do not forget to take medication before going to outdoor events. Avoid clothing that dries clothes, as they may catch pollen, and use your air conditioner (with HEPA air filters) rather than opening windows to cool your home.

Could the Boise pollen count continue to climb?

For two years that Ayers has been collecting pollen accounts for the Treasure Valley, these have slightly worsened. And she said that this could remain the trend as climate change lengthens the allergy season and makes it tougher nationwide.

According to Ayers, the Allergy group recently helped researchers publish a study on the effects of environmental change on allergens.

"The study deduced that climate change has a significant impact on the amount of pollen we see," said Ayers. "We are also witnessing these" pollen storms "."

In some places, pollen "whirlwinds" or storms leave clouds of allergens or layers of greenish yellow mist hanging in the air. And since Boise's climate should be even warmer and drier in the future, severe allergy seasons could become commonplace.

"I noticed that many patients had allergies," Hamblin said. "Every year (it seems like), people say," This is the worst season of my life. "