of Georgetown
Pollen Counts
Allergy to pollen is called hay fever. Pollens are the fertilizing elements of flowering plants consisting of fine powdery grains. Large amounts of pollen are carried great distances by air currents and can easily come into contact with nasal passages causing hay fever symptoms in allergic individuals. Hay fever symptoms include runny nose, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, congestion, itchy throat, and sore throat. Hay fever affects up to 30% of the US population.
The National Allergy Bureau (NAB) is the section of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Aeroallergen Network responsible for reporting current pollen and mold spore levels.
The NAB network provides the most accurate and reliable pollen counts in the United States. The stations use air sampling equipment to collect airborne pollen grains and mold spores which are then examined microscopically. Allergy & Asthma Center of Georgetown is the only certified station in the Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown area.
We provide the pollen counts as a public service to our patients. Pollen counts from the NAB stations are based on actual counts, which reflect the real day to day weather events. Our pollen data are used for research to aid in treatment and management of allergic diseases. The pollen counts from our clinic are also reported to the local media and the NAB.
Allergy & Asthma Center of Georgetown Pollen Graph
Mountain Cedar
Mountain cedar is the cause of hay fever symptoms in Central Texas from December through February (often referred locally as cedar fever). In the winter months in Central Texas, large amounts of pollen are carried great distances by air currents and can easily come into contact with nasal passages causing hay fever symptoms in allergic individuals.
In most of the United States, the winter provides relief from pollinating plants as typically there are no trees, grasses, or weeds that pollinate in the cool winter months. In addition, many parts of the United States are covered in snow. When people move to Central Texas, they may experience hay fever symptoms in the winter for the first time. Symptoms can start immediately after moving to the area or a few years after living in Central Texas.
Mountain cedar (Juniperus ashei) is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub. It can reach 10-15 meters (33-49 feet tall) and grows from northeastern Mexico to southern Missouri. The largest population of mountain cedar is in Central Texas, where it can be abundant. These shrubs provide year-round protection for wildlife and also provide erosion control.
Although mountain cedar peaks December through February, it can pollinate from November to March. Mountain cedar pollen counts are often higher than any other pollinating plant in Central Texas. The counts during peak season can range from 3,000-10,000 pollens per cubic meter of air. During peak pollinating days, mountain cedar pollen in the air can be so abundant that it can be confused for smoke by the visiting traveler.
Many people experience severe symptoms during the winter months. Left untreated, some patients may experience severe infections and asthma exacerbations. If people experience symptoms in the wintertime, it is important to seek appropriate diagnosis and treatment with a board-certified allergist. There is good treatment available for mountain cedar allergy. Thus, many people can start enjoying the mild winters of Central Texas and find relief in knowing they do not have to move away after all.
Contact Us
Please use the above section for general feedback. If you need assistance with appointments, prescriptions or have other questions, please call our office or use the patient portal.
3201 South Austin Ave, Suite 140
Georgetown, Texas 78626-7559
Phone: 512-868-6673(NOSE)
Fax: 512-819-0021
Our Hours
Main Office Hours
Allergy Injection Hours
The office will be closed the following holidays
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
12:00 pm - 4:30 pm
8:30 am - 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
8:30 am - 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
8:30 am - 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
New Year's Day, Observed
Memorial Day
Independence Day, Observed
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day & Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day, Observed