For sufferers of nasal allergy, asthma and cardiac conditions, air quality is critically important. Fortunately, two websites are of tremendous help in determining the “health” of the air surrounding us.
• Pollen counts are critical in patients with allergies. The American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) website provides pollen and mold counts from the previous day. One caveat: the reading will not be the same but the counts will be in the correct direction. For example, if the counts listed for the previous day are high but it is raining today, the counts will likely be zero today.
• Air quality may be assessed in terms of particulate matter, ozone and other pollutants from a website from the Environmental Protection Agency.
When air quality is bad or pollen counts are high, avoid exertion or heavy exercise outside. In fact, it’s a good idea to stay inside if possible.
