Pollen count and allergy info for Los Angeles

What is the pollen count in Los Angeles?

The pollen count in Los Angeles varies depending on the type of pollen and the weather conditions. Currently, the main sources of pollen are trees and grasses. The pollen count is usually recorded during the hours of daylight, so pollen count forecasts will reflect daytime figures. The amount of pollen can vary from day to day and can also fluctuate throughout the day. The pollen count can be very dependent on weather conditions so the weather forecast should be consulted to get a better idea of the level of pollen over the next few days. There are three main types of pollen measured which are tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen.

Does the pollen count in Los Angeles change with the seasons?

The pollen count gets higher when vegetation begins to form buds and starts to form flowers. Because California has milder winters than other states in the USA, the pollen season starts earlier. The months that register a higher pollen count are April, May and September. With the onset of winter, the pollen density drops away although allergy sufferers can still be affected by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander or mould spores. An allergen test can be easily booked in Los Angeles to discover the exact cause of the allergy which will then help to avoid those situations. The pollen count tends to rise during the morning and often peaks around early afternoon. The lowest count is towards the late afternoon and into the early evening. However, this can be relative because when the pollen count is very high, even though it decreases as the day progresses, there will still be a relatively high level of pollen still held in the air. With climate change and rising average temperatures, the allergy season is longer, especially for the most allergenic pollens such as pine or cedar.

Why is pollen in Los Angeles so irritating?

There are more and more pollen grains in the air we breathe. Birch, for example, is one of the most allergenic. The quantities recorded in the air have jumped by 20 per cent in 30 years. It is linked to climate change and, in particular, the rise in temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations which are two key parameters that increase the quantities of pollen emitted by trees. Increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air "stimulates" photosynthesis, causing an increase in the quantity of pollen dispersed in the air. Another consequence of pollution is the increase in respiratory ailments, which makes more and more people sensitive to allergic phenomena.

What does a high pollen count mean to the citizens of Los Angeles?

An allergen is a substance in our environment that triggers a harmful reaction in our body on contact with it when it should normally be tolerated (hypersensitivity reaction). Pollens are made up of several proteins, some of which are allergens. Allergy is a disorder of the immune system which corresponds to a loss of tolerance vis-à-vis substances that are theoretically harmless: allergens. For the allergy to be triggered, two conditions are necessary: a genetic predisposition and exposure to the allergenic substance.

What can be done by allergy sufferers when the pollen count is high in Los Angeles?

In patients with allergies to pollen, it is common for an inflammation of the nose to occur, known as rhinitis, which causes nasal congestion or stuffiness. For this symptom, antihistamines may be insufficient, so it is recommended to take nasal decongestants in order to minimize it. Another group of drugs that are specified in allergic processes are corticosteroids, due to their anti-inflammatory effect. They can be administered by topical, inhalation, oral, or injectable routes. In the case of pollen allergy, topical (intranasal) corticosteroids are considered the most effective treatment for symptoms of rhinitis, such as nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. Immunotherapy or anti-allergy vaccination consists of administering to the patient, progressive and repeated quantities of an allergen with the aim of modifying the body's response to natural exposure to said substance. That is, the vaccines seek to reduce the hypersensitivity of the patient until the allergen is tolerated.

How is the pollen count in Los Angeles measured?

Pollen is caught in the air by a special pollen trap. The pollen trap is usually sited 15 meters above the ground and constantly sucks in the air. It is necessary that the pollen trap is placed at that height so that it is not affected by pollen from very local sources – for example, a large birch tree immediately nearby. When the pollen trap stands at a height of 15 meters, it collects pollen from a radius of approximately 30 kilometers. The pollen trap stores pollen either on a strip mounted on a drum or directly on a small glass plate. Both parts are controlled by a small clockwork in the pollen trap, which ensures that the drum or glass plate moves 2 millimeters per hour.

Does the weather affect pollen levels in Los Angeles?

The weather does affect pollen levels, and it plays a direct role in the severity and length of the allergy season. Weather conditions can increase or decrease the amount of pollen production and dispersion. For example, a mild winter can indicate an early allergy season because trees tend to start pollinating earlier. Warm air and higher temperatures will produce an increase in the pollen counts in Los Angeles, while a sudden drop or freeze in temperatures can stop pollen production. On humid, windy days, pollen spreads easily, but on rainy days, pollen is washed away from the air. However, rain can also cause some types of pollen, such as grass and weed pollen, to break up into smaller particles that can trigger more allergic reactions. At the same time, the pollen amounts vary during the day. Most species release their pollen over a period of three to four hours in the middle of the day when temperatures are at their highest. Therefore, it is important to check the weather forecast and the pollen count for your area before going outside if you have pollen allergies. You can also take preventive measures such as taking allergy medication, wearing a mask, keeping your windows shut, and using air filters to reduce your exposure to pollen.