Tools to navigate record breaking pollen count: doctors weigh in
It is neon yellow and on some days, seems to coat the surface of everything: pollen; a sign that warmer days are on the way here in Georgia. The record-breaking pollen count in Georgia is causing a significant increase in symptoms such as congestion, stuffiness, and sinus pressure. Dr. Christopher Chu from Atlanta Allergy and Asthma, who has allergies himself, explains that asthma and allergies can affect a person's mental health and affect their breathing, sleep quality, and mood symptoms. A recent study from Climate Central suggests climate change is leading to a more intense and longer allergy season. The trend is expected to continue as climate change worsens. Doctors advise people to close their car windows, use air conditioning, and close their house windows to prevent pollen.
Publicerad : en månad sedan förbi Sawyer Buccy i
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) -It is neon yellow and on some days, seems to coat the surface of everything: pollen; a sign that warmer days are on the way here in Georgia. Also, a sign that people with allergies or asthma are in for a rough go.
“A lot of congestion, stuffiness and sinus pressure. There was a point where, I think it was during med school, I woke up and had vertigo which can happen when your nose is so stuffed up it impacts your eustachian tubes,” said Dr. Christopher Chu with Atlanta Allergy and Asthma.
Allergies and asthma can even impact a person’s mental health.
“If you can’t breathe well you snore, your sleep quality diminishes and that impacts every aspect of your life including any mood symptoms,” said Chu.
Dr. Christopher Chu at Atlanta Allergy and Asthma knows allergies well, he has them himself and uses his own story as he deals with patients. According to a recent study from Climate Central, climate change is bringing on a more intense and longer allergy season.
“We have seen tree pollen which is the culprit spring allergen start quite early this year like early to mid-February. We expect this trend to continue moving forward as climate change worsens,” said Chu.
Doctors recommend doing what you can like changing air filters, showering before going to bed, wearing sunglasses or glasses to keep pollen out of your eyes even wiping down pet paws.
“It is difficult to mitigate everything but I always tell people to close your car windows, use air conditioning, and close your house windows too...Get on medication if you have to, you can get allergy shots too,” said Chu, “There are ways to get through the tough season to come.”