Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 1.50 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 2 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 2 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 2 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 3 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Dr Rabinowitz: Patients Hurting from Epipens Price Spike

How to Deal with Pollen Allergies - Dr Paul S. Rabinowitz

In this video, Dr Rabinowitz discusses the steps you can take to handle pollen allergies. He suggests:

1) Get allergy tested -- find out if you are actually allergic to pollen, especially before using certain medications which are largely ineffective on non-allergic individuals.

2) OTC medications -- find out what are the most effective medications for pollen allergies, and what are the best combinations of medications

3) Allergy Shots -- Do you really need them?

4) How long you can expect pollen allergies to last

Watch this video for an engaging discussion on pollen allergies by one of Atlanta's leading allergy specialists!

Dr Paul S Rabinowitz
Allergy & Asthma Consultants, PCs
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd NE
Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30342

Visit our website

SUMMERTIME ALLERGIES CAN CHANGE YOUR APPEARANCE — DRAMATICALLY

We’re all familiar with the most common symptoms of allergies, like a runny nose, sneezing and red eyes. Some people seem to fare much worse when it comes to summertime allergies, appearing as if they lost a match to a UFC fighter.

Severe symptoms during the summer can be as bad as peak season in the spring and fall. They’re not limited to the typical sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Cosmetic symptoms like black eyes and lines across the nose are more common than you might think.

Of course, allergies can appear at any age and during any time of the year, even if you’ve never suffered from them. Think about visiting one of our board-certified allergists if you happen to have these additional symptoms to go along with your sniffles.

• Allergic “Shiner: Dark circles may appear under the eyes as a result of discoloration and swelling from the small blood vessels beneath the skin.
• Allergic Face: It’s possible that nasal allergies can cause swelling of the adenoids, or lymph nodes that line the back of the throat and behind the nose. A tired and droopy appearance is the result.
• Nasal Crease: Usually the result of rubbing the nose upward to relieve nasal itching and congestion, this is a line that can appear across the nose’s bridge.
• Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can be caused by allergic rhinitis and its severe nasal congestion. Severe cases can lead to the development of a high palate, an overbite and an elevated upper lip. Dental braces may be required for some teens with allergic rhinitis.

Insect stings, mold and pollen allergies are common causes of symptoms during the summer. Surprisingly, fresh produce like apples, melons, and celery can produce symptoms. Common proteins found in both pollen and raw fruits, fresh vegetables and some tree nuts are the cause.

It’s possible to mistake summer allergies for colds or food intolerance. If your symptoms last longer than two weeks you should definitely see an allergist for testing, diagnosis and treatment.
You should speak with an allergist before you resort to over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays.

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 3.10 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 1.40 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

CELEBRATING MEMORIAL DAY WITH ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES

In one week, our country will celebrate Memorial Day and honor the men and women who have died in military service. The extended weekend is traditionally also the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and family, head outdoors, and grill out. Allergies and asthma can be a concern during any event that brings people together, but following a few simple guidelines can keep you healthy all day long.

AROUND THE GRILL

Set-up the grill in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of anything that could block air flow like awnings, dense trees, or overhead shelters. Move the grill so the smoke blows with the direction of the wind and away from the party.

Utilize the lid to control the smoke whenever possible.

Choose a gas grill over charcoal. Now this might provoke some strong feelings from grilling enthusiasts, but a gas grill simply emits fewer asthma irritants than charcoal does.

Avoid using cedar planks and wood chips.  Although they might impart flavors into your food, they can also release pollen into the air as they burn. This pollen can cause asthma to flair up if inhaled.

If all else fails, let someone else do the grilling!

AT THE PARTY

Have food allergies? Consider bringing your own allergen free meal. Cross contamination of allergens is common as parties and picnics when people are eating family style. Avoid the concern simply by bringing your own meal. Or if you know the hosts well, ask that you make your plate first before any cross contamination can occur.

Wear sun glasses to prevent pollen getting into your eyes.

If a bonfire is planned, follow the same recommendations as grilling listed above. Sit upwind of the direction that the smoke is blowing. Breathing in the smoke or pollen released from bonfire logs can cause asthma attacks.

Bring your medications such as an inhaler or epinephrine pen. Carry them on you so they are easy to access in an emergency.

We hope you all have an enjoyable weekend and Happy Memorial Day!

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 3.10 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States!

Currently 8.80 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta Georgia

Station: Marietta (Atlanta), GA
Date of Pollen and Mold Count: 04/15/2016

Current pollen count is 10.00

*********************************
Pollen & Mold Summary
*********************************
Trees: High Concentration
Weeds: Moderate Concentration
Grass: Low Concentration
Mold: Not Counted


*********************************
Pollen & Mold Detail

(Top three species per category)
*********************************

Trees
--------------------------------
1. Oak
2. Sycamore, Plane-tree
3. Pine Family with air bladders


Weeds
--------------------------------
1. Nettle family, Pellitory
2. Sheep Sorrel, Dock
3. Sage, Wormwood


Grass
--------------------------------
1. Grass Family, all types


Mold
--------------------------------
Not Counted

--------------------------------

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342

404.255.9286

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta

Station:  Marietta (Atlanta), GA
Date of Pollen and Mold Count: 04/14/2016

*********************************
Pollen & Mold Summary
*********************************
Trees: High Concentration
Weeds: Moderate Concentration
Grass: Low Concentration
Mold:  Not Counted


*********************************
Pollen & Mold Detail

(Top three species per category)
*********************************

Trees
--------------------------------
1. Oak
2. Pine Family with air bladders
3. Sycamore, Plane-tree


Weeds
--------------------------------
1. Sheep Sorrel, Dock
2. Sage, Wormwood
3. Sedge Family


Grass
--------------------------------
1. Grass Family, all types


Mold
--------------------------------
Not Counted

--------------------------------

Allergy & Asthma Consultants, PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

How is Pollen Count Measured?

If you suffer from allergies, specifically allergic rhinitis/hay fever and/or allergies caused by excess pollen in the air, you probably monitor the pollen count to determine if you're going to spend time outdoors. And Atlanta, Georgia is one of the worst cities in America for allergies.

According to Wikipedia:

"Pollen count is the measurement of the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air. The higher the number, the more people will suffer if they are allergic to a particular pollen (hay fever). Usually, the counts are announced for specific plants such as grass, ash, or olive. These are tailored to what is usually a common plant in the area being measured.

One method of taking the sample uses a silicone grease-covered rod that is rotated in the air to collect the pollen. The rod is rotated periodically during the collection period to gather samples through an entire 24-hour day. The rod is then removed and taken to a lab where the collected material is analyzed for the type of pollen and its concentration."

You can get a daily report on this blog for the pollen count in Atlanta and surrounding areas.

You may also subscribe to our daily email pollen reports that help you prepare for outdoor activities when pollen counts are typically high (in the Spring and Fall). Click to visit our subscription page.

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta

Currently, the pollen count is 11.00 in Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States.

Allergy & Asthma Consultants, PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

Have Allergies Increased in Atlanta Georgia?

Indeed they are, and there are a number of plausible alternatives as to why that may be. Early speculations centered on the changes in our living situations and our households. Indoor pets have certainly become more prominent, carpeting and less outdoor air entry might lead to increased levels of dust mites, and maybe mold... but the most intriguing consideration of all is referred to as the "hygiene hypothesis" which proposes that our immune systems develop along two major pathways in that they are largely complementary in that when one goes up, the other goes down. One directed more at infectious illnesses and the other at more of an allergic response.

Modern life and medicine have provided many improvements: better sanitation, effective antibiotics, immunization... all tending to reduce our infectious burden. But here's the rub: allowing a generation of more allergic responses. Many pieces of epidemiologic evidence support this concept. So when mom told you to "go wash your hands" it reduced the bacteria but may have actually let to a greater likelihood of greater allergic disease.

For expert consultation in Atlanta and surrounding area, contact allergist specialist Dr Livezey at AAC.

Dr Mark D Livezey
Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

https://plus.google.com/+AllergyatlantaDrMarkDLivezey
http://www.allergyatlanta.com/about-us/meet-our-staff/livezey/

Atlanta Georgia | Lilburn Georgia | Roswell Georgia | Duluth Georgia | Cumming Georgia | Allergy (Disease Or Medical Condition) | allergies | what causes allergies | allergy causes | Top rated allergy specialist | top allergist in Atlanta | allergy specialist

Field Guide to Pollen Allergies in Atlanta

Check out this great guide from our friends at 11Alive, a visual field guide to plants that can make your Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms worse. It might not be a bad idea to keep this on your phone, so if you're out and about, you can avoid these trees & plants!

http://legacy.11alive.com/picture-gallery/news/health/2016/03/21/pollen-field-guide--track-the-culprits-in-your-area/82070166/

Dr Paul Rabinowitz on chronic cough in Atlanta

We're often asked to see patients with chronic cough. In fact, more than ever, we're seeing patients with chronic cough. When I go out and talk with other doctors, it's amazing how many other doctors tell us they have patients with cough they can't bring under control.

So, it's a serious problem, and an allergist is a good place to go to have an evaluation. The possibilities that are most likely to cause a chronic cough begin with the sinuses. If somebody has sinus obstruction, sinus infection, with associated drainage, that can lead to a cough.

Nasal allergy, with associated post-nasal drip, can lead to a cough.

Asthma, can have, as one of its components in addition to wheezing and tightness of chest, cough can be one of the symptoms of asthma (and maybe the only symptom).

And finally, patients may have acid reflux coming up into the throat and triggering an irritative cough.

So when a patient comes in, I will take a history to see which of these are a possibility; then do appropriate studies, possibly x-rays for sinusitis, allergy testing to see if allergy is present, spirometry to see if asthma is present, and if the symptoms are right, assessing the need for acid-reflux inducing medications.


Dr Paul S Rabinowitz
Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342

https://plus.google.com/+AllergyatlantaTopDocs/

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta

Station: Marietta (Atlanta), GA
Date of Pollen and Mold Count: 04/07/2016

*********************************
Pollen & Mold Summary
*********************************
Trees: High Concentration
Weeds: Moderate Concentration
Grass: Low Concentration
Mold: Not Counted


*********************************
Pollen & Mold Detail

(Top three species per category)
*********************************

Trees
--------------------------------
1. Oak
2. Sycamore, Plane-tree
3. Pine Family with air bladders


Weeds
--------------------------------
1. Nettle family, Pellitory
2. Sheep Sorrel, Dock


Grass
--------------------------------
1. Grass Family, all types


Mold
--------------------------------
Not Counted


Allergy & Asthma Consultants, PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

Today's Pollen Count in Atlanta

Station: Marietta (Atlanta), GA
Date of Pollen and Mold Count: 04/05/2016

*********************************
Pollen & Mold Summary
*********************************
Trees: High Concentration
Weeds: High Concentration
Grass: Moderate Concentration
Mold: Not Counted


*********************************
Pollen & Mold Detail

(Top three species per category)
*********************************

Trees
--------------------------------
1. Oak
2. Pine Family with air bladders
3. Sweet Gum


Weeds
--------------------------------
1. Nettle family, Pellitory
2. Sheep Sorrel, Dock
3. All identified weed pollen not counted elsewhere


Grass
--------------------------------
1. Grass Family, all types


Mold
--------------------------------
Not Counted



Allergy & Asthma Consultants, PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

Spring Allergies, Pollen & Mold in Atlanta

Spring time means an end to the long winter season with warming temperatures and outdoor activities for many people. During this time of year, trees, plants and weeds also recognize the changing weather and begin to bloom. These burst of flowers are a welcome sign to many, but for millions of people it also means the beginning of sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.

These seasonal allergies are often caused by pollen and mold spores that are released into the air. When people who are allergic to these substances come into contact with them, their immune system releases antibodies that attack the allergens. Histamines are released into the body and trigger the allergic reactions so common to many people.

Atlanta, Georgia was one of the worst cities for allergies in the US in 2004. Fortunately, we've improve slightly.

Both pollen and mold spores can travel great distances in the outdoor air. This can be especially true during windy spring days. These air quality contaminants can be a concern to both people enjoying the outdoor weather and even those indoors as the allergens can often enter buildings through open doors and windows, on people's clothes, and through the HVAC system where they may even accumulate.

There are simple tips to help spring allergy sufferers during this time of year. They include:

• Keeping doors and windows shut.
• Driving with car windows closed.
• Limiting time outdoors and possibly wearing a mask during outdoor activities.
• Avoiding drying clothes outdoors.
• Monitoring pollen and mold counts before heading outdoors.
• Showering and washing clothes after spending time outdoors.
• Utilizing high-efficiency air filters to remove airborne allergens.

For some people, these same airborne allergens can even trigger an asthma attack. Those who experience allergies all year long should also consider possible indoor allergens that they may be exposed to on a regular basis. Common indoor contaminants include mold, dust mites, pet dander, and insect and rodent allergens.

These are just a few things to know about spring allergies, to learn more about allergens or other indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, health and safety, or environmental issues, please visit Allergy & Asthma Consultants in Atlanta.

allergy | allergies | spring allergies | pollen | mold | Atlanta, Georgia | allergist atlanta | allergy doctor in Atlanta

****************

www.allergyatlanta.com

Dr Paul S Rabinowitz, Dr Mark D Livezey, Dr Glen L Nadel

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC

5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325

Atlanta, GA 30342

404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Today's Pollen Count 4/4/16

This is an automatic Pollen and Mold Alert from the National Allergy Bureau, a service of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.


Station:  Marietta (Atlanta), GA
Date of Pollen and Mold Count: 04/04/2016

*********************************
Pollen & Mold Summary
*********************************
Trees: High Concentration
Weeds: High Concentration
Grass: Low Concentration
Mold:  Not Counted


*********************************
Pollen & Mold Detail

(Top three species per category)
*********************************

Trees
--------------------------------
1. Oak
2. Pine Family with air bladders
3. Birch


Weeds
--------------------------------
1. Nettle family, Pellitory
2. Sheep Sorrel, Dock
3. Sage, Wormwood


Grass
--------------------------------
1. Grass Family, all types


Mold
--------------------------------
Not Counted


***************************************
Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

33.9057448, -84.3520321

Welcome to Atlanta's Top Allergist Practice

http://www.allergyatlanta.com

This is Dr Paul Rabinowitz, of Allergy & Asthma Consultants in Atlanta, and suburban Atlanta, welcoming you to our practice. We have a motto in our practice that we're big enough to cure, but small enough to care.

We have three doctors in our practice, and we have three staffs who rotate through our five convenient offices in Atlanta, Cumming, Duluth, Lilburn, and Roswell. Everybody works with everybody, and there is the highest level of competence and care that we demand of everybody on our staff.

As your doctor, I'll give you every bit of knowledge that I've accumulated over the past 30 years in my allergy practice. And I will make sure that you get better.

We see patients quickly, we do not make patients wait a long time, we take calls at night, we have late hours! We're open on Mondays until 8pm. There is no other allergist in town that does this.

Our patients have the ability to get their allergy shots after dinner, to not have to leave early from work or school to get their allergy shots.

So if you come to our practice, I promise you will get the best care possible and get you feeling better in an environment where you will feel comfortable.

Dr Paul S Rabinowitz
Allergy & Asthma Consultants, PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

https://plus.google.com/b/112983822050183031327/+DrPaulSRabinowitzAllergyAsthmaConsultantsAtlanta/posts?gmbpt=true&hl=en

Top Atlanta Allergist Dr Glen Nadel Discusses Hives [VIDEO]

Hives are a very common problem that we see.

About 20 percent of the population has hives at some point in their lifetime.

Hives are the presence of "welts" that are raised from the skin and are very itchy in character.

There are multiple triggers for hives. Food allergy can cause it if you are allergic to a specific food such as peanuts, nuts, shellfish, milk, or egg.

We also look for the presence of medications that may cause hives. The most common medications that cause hives are antibiotics and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, advil or aleve.

Contact with certain inhalants, such as animal dander, can cause hives, specifically if an animal licks you and you develop hives than that may be the cause for your problem.

In addition, rarely, adults can have contact allergy to chemicals such as those present in makeups, sunscreens, shampoos or other chemicals that may cause hives.

Hives can very rarely be due to illness, such as thyroid problems.

Finally, hives can be what we call "idiopathic" in character. Idiopathic hives means that we do not know the cause for them, but we've looked at it and evaluated it and decided that all of the other causes are not present. This is a good diagnosis, as you generally do not want to have any of the other causes.

Treatment of hives includes the use of medications and avoidance of any triggering factors -- such as the food or chemical that may trigger them.

Generally, treatment of hives is very successful.

Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286
33.9057448, -84.3520321

5-star Review: Dr Paul S Rabinowitz, Top Atlanta Allergist

Traveling with Allergies

Traveling can be a great way to spend vacations and see the world. Spending time away from home, while rejuvenating, can also be concerning when you have allergies. Below are some tips for handling food and environmental allergies while away from home.

Food Allergies

When traveling internationally, food allergies can be of particular concern.

• Carry an allergy ID: It is recommended to always have an allergy ID card on you. Information on this card should include your allergens, doctor's office contact information and a list of any medications. This should include if you carry an epinephrine autoinjector on you. As discussed in our previous dining out with allergies blog, this card can be presented to the chef when dining out while traveling. 
• Translate your allergies: Language barriers can be especially difficult when you have an allergy. Take the time before your trip to translate your allergens into the primary languages of the countries you are visiting. It helps to have the allergens written down in that language and to practice how to say them. There are several online translators that can help you with the translation such as Google Translate. 
• Carry your medications: Always carry your epinephrine autoinjector on you wherever you travel. Make sure it is included in your carry on if you are traveling by plane. Pack back-ups with you as well. When abroad, know what the local pharmacies are called and where the closest one is located to where you are staying. In addition to the closest pharmacy, knowing the closest hospital or doctors office can be helpful in an emergency. 
• Pack your own snacks: There might be a point during your trip where you just do not feel comfortable eating due to allergy concerns. In those situations, it can be convenient to have your own snacks. Some hotels allow you to ship items to them prior to your arrival. Check with where you are staying and you could possibly ship a box of snacks for your visit.

Environmental Allergies

• Understand your environmental allergen: You cannot always control the environment of where you are going. But you can use online pollen forecasts to help you plan your trip. Knowing when "high pollen" season is can help you pick the best time of year to visit your destination. You can also use these forecasts to determine if vacation day-to-day activities should be indoors or outdoors. 
• Control the pollen: If pollen levels are going to be particularly heavy during your trip, wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep pollen out of your face. Shower at night to wash pollen off your body and hair, before bed. Use a nasal saline spray to flush pollen out of your nose. 
• Carry your medications (again): Just with food allergies, bring all necessary medications with you on your trip. This includes decongestants and antihistamines. Really anything that you take when at home to control your environmental allergies, you should bring with you. 

Bottom line - do not let food or environmental allergies keep you from getting out and exploring this big, beautiful world!

Call our Atlanta Allergy Clinic to get more great advice and medical treatment for your allergies:
Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

Allergy Season Forecast 2016: Will El Niño Make Things Worse?

Spring allergy season is here.

Time to stock up on extra nasal spray, tissues and start taking your allergy medication. The mild, wet winter and the presence of El Niño could spell trouble for allergy sufferers in Atlanta, as forecasters are expecting a brutal allergy season in 2016.

What is El Niño?

From the NOAA website:

The term El Niño refers to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction linked to a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. Typical El Niño effects are likely to develop over North America during the upcoming winter season. Those include warmer-than-average temperatures over western and central Canada, and over the western and northern United States. Wetter-than-average conditions are likely over portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast and Florida, while drier-than-average conditions can be expected in the Ohio Valley and the Pacific Northwest. The presence of El Niño can significantly influence weather patterns, ocean conditions, and marine fisheries across large portions of the globe for an extended period of time.

How El Niño Affects Atlanta Allergies

Any year that the El Niño weather phenomenon is active contributes to lots of rainfall. Weather is an important factor in how much pollen is produced by local plants, how it's distributed and the volume of pollen in the air at a given time. The wet weather helps trees and plants develop very healthy root systems. When the warmer weather arrives and the allergy season starts, their root systems are ready to release massive amounts of pollen. Another issue is the mild winters and early arrival of spring, a phenomenon that's been increasing the past several years. Some scientists believe that more carbon dioxide in the environment may also cause plants to release more pollen this time of year. As many forecasters predicted, our allergy season arrived a few weeks early in mid-February. Start prepping now to get a jump on the season:

• Resume any allergy medications, especially allergy shots
• Monitor the pollen numbers and avoid being outdoors as much as possible
• Add a HEPA filter to your Air Conditioning system
• Use a HEPA filtered vacuum and keep your home as dust and pollen free as possible
• Keep your sheets & pillows covered during the day to avoid pollen landing on the surface and making your nights miserable
• Consider showering before bed to prevent getting pollen on your pillowcase (and making your allergies flare up overnight)

Hopefully, the predictions will be wrong. If they're not and your allergies are getting the best of you, schedule an appointment to see one of our award-winning, board certified allergy doctors. We'll help you feel better quickly.

Learn more and schedule an appointment with one of our award-winning Atlanta Allergy Doctors:
Allergy & Asthma Consultants PC
5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd #325
Atlanta, GA 30342
404.255.9286

Asthma Triggers that You May Not Expect

Change of season, dust, and pollen are all fairly common triggers to asthma. However there may be times when your asthma is flaring up and the trigger might not be as clear. Below we discuss some of the more uncommon asthma triggers.

Thunderstorms

Spring time brings an increase in nice weather and with it, an increased chance of thunderstorms. Electrical storms have been known to rupture pollen grains which then get spread around more due to gusty storm winds. You might find yourself with an irritated airway immediately after a thunderstorm ends.

Emotions

Have you ever found yourself laughing or crying uncontrollably and then reaching for an inhaler? This is because strong emotions can cause a change in breathing patterns. This is a very similar response to what you would see during heavy exercise.

Stress

Stress can wreak havoc on you physically. Feeling overwhelmed or run down? This can cause your chest to tighten and for you to feel asthma-like symptoms. Panic attacks caused from stress can cause hyperventilation and a sudden tightening of airways.

Food Additives

Read food labels carefully. Certain food additives could cause asthma. Common additives to keep an eye on are sulfites, nitrites, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and food coloring.

Alcohol

Certain alcoholic drinks can cause asthma attacks. Particularly wine that contains sulfites, as discussed in the food additive bullet, can be a culprit.

Rush Hour Traffic

Fumes and pollution from cars can cause an asthma attack, so have your inhaler ready if stuck in traffic. Avoid pulling air from outside and instead try recirculating the air inside your vehicle. This can slightly reduce the fumes that are being pulled into your vehicle.

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners and other scented items, such as candles, can irritate sensitive airways. This can bring on the sudden onset of an asthma attack. Similarly, avoid paint that contains volatile organic compounds (VOC) as these can have a similar reaction as other scented items. Be aware of your surroundings as VOCs can also be found in many household and building materials.
While it is not likely that you would be able to avoid all items on this list, we hope that it will help you during your next attack and identifying what could be triggering it.

Atlanta's Top Allergy & Asthma Doctors

If you can’t seem to manage your asthma symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our award-winning Atlanta-based Board Certified Allergists, and we’ll have you feeling better quickly!