Thursday night’s shower may have washed away some pollen, but is expected to return in very high counts today.
The Weather Channel predicted “Very High” pollen count for the area through Monday in its four-day forecast and the yellow dust has been taking a toll on allergy-proneresidents.
With the increasing pollen, Diane McGowan, M.D, Emory Clark-Holder Clinic said that allergy patients and testing has increased this year.
“Recently more people have been coming in to get the allergy testing,” said McGowan.
On average, the clinic has administered 200 allergy shots per week.
Common allergy symptoms can include nasal congestion, stopped up ears, watery nose, dry throat, burning eyes, said McGowan.
“Most over the counter medicines should work, but if not, allergy skin tests can be given to determine if allergy shots are needed,” she said. “We typically give allergy shots for those with year round allergies. If you only have allergy symptoms for the pollen season you should try over the counter medicines such as antihistamines.”
Frequented allergy medicines include Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin and Benadryl.
Local pharmacist Perry Prather of Holmes Pharmacy recommend taking proper medications to rid of symptoms, as many confuse cold symptoms with allergy symptoms.
“Not treating it in time or taking properly medicines can cause sinus infections,” he said.
He recommends wearing masks if you are exposed to pollen in high counts.
“I notice people wearing masks as they’re riding down the road with their windows down,” said Prather. “It’s not uncommon.”
Both Prather and McGowan said saline sprays are common for allergy victims to use at home to rinse pollen from the nostrils. This is common for those who are using other medicines and can not mix with allergy medicines, said McGowan.
Though pollen may be bad news for some, it has proven good to others. Local car washes have bloomed in business since last week as cars try to rid of the yellow coat.
“Last week business started picking up,” said LaGrange Car Wash employee Dexter Tucker. “This time of year is always good for us.”
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