Fall Allergy Season Returns to the Pee Dee & Grand Strand
As summer draws to a close, and the fall season begins to make its presence known, the allergy season is returning with its usual array of spores and allergens. For those in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions, the staples of the fall allergy season: weeds, chenopods, and grasses, are reemerging. The allergen that most commonly impacts individuals is weeds, specifically ragweed.
Microscopic Culprits of Discomfort
Both grass pollen and ragweed pollen spores are nearly invisible to human eyes due to their microscopic size, something that is typical for most plant-based allergens. With an above-normal allergy season experienced last fall, forecasts predict a similar pattern for this season as well. The trends are based on the prediction of above-average temperatures and significant precipitation totals for the Southeast, including the regions of the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.
The relation between pollen distribution and weather might not be immediately obvious, but it plays a crucial role in defining the intensity of each spring and fall pollen season. Warmer temperatures allow for the air to carry and distribute a larger quantity of pollen spores.
Rainy Days and Pollen Spores
During rainy and warm days, pollen spores such as grasses and weeds are momentarily subdued, while mold spores tend to spread. After the rainfall, however, pollen spores are distributed more widely than they would have been without the rain. This is because raindrops can fragment pollen spores into smaller pieces, leading to the creation of more pollen particles that can be carried by the wind once the rain stops.
Initial Forecasts and Coping Measures
The return of weed pollen allergens to the Southeastern U.S. typically begins in August, and this year is no different for the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions. The pollen counts for Saturday are at medium levels, with forecasts predicting that counts will rise to the medium-high category by the end of the weekend and the start of next week. The prime contributors to these pollen counts are grass, ragweed, and chenopod spores.
With the return of allergy season, the advice remains the same. Keep a check on local pollen reports, limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times, keep windows closed during high pollen periods, take a shower after being outdoors to remove pollen from skin and hair, and consider wearing sunglasses and a hat to keep pollen out of eyes and hair. Always remember to consult a professional for personalized advice based on individual needs and health conditions.
