Health & Fitness

Spring Pollen Allergy Forecast Will Make Metro Detroit Sneeze

Tree pollen and mold "very high" as Michigan awakens from winter, but you may not be sneezing. Here's why, plus what to do if you are.

DETROIT, MI – Spring allergy sufferers — and there are something like 50 million of you sneezing through the season — this is for you.

Pollen, especially from trees, and mold counts are very high in Metro Detroit this weekend, according to The Weather Channel.

There are a plethora of types of pollen, from trees, grass and a variety of weeds, so a high pollen count doesn’t automatically mean it will trigger your specific allergy, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Find out what's happening in Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The flip side of that is true as well. You could still be sneezing your head off when the overall pollen count is low.

But do keep track of predicted pollen counts and — achoo! — develop a plan of attack as the spring allergy gains steam as southeast Michigan awakens from winter.

Find out what's happening in Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Over-the-counter remedies may be enough if allergy symptoms are minor, but more severe symptoms may require a prescription from your allergist or physician.

You may be able to reduce allergy symptoms without medication by:

  • Closing windows and using the air conditioner to decrease the amount of pollen entering the home;
  • Minimizing outdoor activity between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. when pollen counts are the highest;
  • Using pollen-removing air filters and changing them regularly;
  • Wearing a dust mask if you need to be mow the lawn or work around plants when pollen counts are high.

You can check out the allergy forecast here.

Sources: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Health blog on Patch.com and The Weather Channel

Image credit: Flickr / Creative Commons

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