‘Achoo!’ High Portland pollen counts attacking allergy sufferers

Grass seed production in the Willamette Valley can help raise pollen counts. Eugene hit its highest pollen count on record Tuesday, June 6, at 1,301. Oregonian file photo. LC- The Oregonian

Have you been experiencing a runny nose, and itchy eyes? It may be because of high pollen counts coming from a dry, warm May and plenty of grass seed pollen blowing around on the winds.

Wednesday's calm winds may help alleviate some of the symptoms, but grass pollen counts are high in Portland as of Tuesday afternoon. A "high" reading means the pollen spore count would be between 20-199. Portland's count on Tuesday was 60. A "very high" count is above 200.

But not so far south on Tuesday grass pollen counts in Eugene hit 1,301 particles per cubic meter of air – the highest ever recorded according to counts from Oregon Allergy Associates in Eugene. Pollen counts are expected to continue to rise this week as hot, dry, windy weather funnels massive plumes of pollen down the Willamette Valley. Even residents who are not normally affected by allergens may have health issues in the Eugene area.

"Typically, Eugene is going to have higher counts than Portland because it is further down the Willamette Valley where grass seed is cultivated. This is what often gives Oregon's Willamette Valley its incredibly high grass pollen season every year," according to Emily Trevillyan, a nurse manager at Allergy Clinic, the only Portland clinic certified by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology to do pollen counts.

Continued dry and warm weather could increase the counts in all areas. Portland should see lighter winds through the end of the week and slowly decreasing high temperatures through Friday.

If you are having a medical issue concerning allergies, speak to your doctor. Allergy sufferers who have travel plans to the central and southern Willamette Valley may want to delay their trips. WebMD has a list of non-drug relief tips that include closing windows and sealing gaps to keep pollen outside. Limiting outdoor activities can also be helpful during high pollen count days. Read more here: webmd.com/allergies/allergy-relief-without-drugs

— Rosemarie Stein

503-221-4376, [email protected]; @trafficportland

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