So, for those of us in Buffalo, NY with pollen allergies, is the rain helpful or hurtful? We have good news and bad news. As it turns out, there are two factors that affect the pollen count—the amount of pollen in the air and the size of the particles. Ironically, rain can dramatically affect the pollen count, but in ways that are rather unpredictable.

Rain Can Be Good for Pollen Allergies:

You would assume that a huge thunderstorm would spell trouble for anyone with a pollen allergy. After all, rain helps plants grow, and healthy plants produce a lot of pollen—or so you might have thought. Actually, the opposite is true. You' re far more likely to suffer allergy attacks when the weather is dry than when the weather is wet. Plus, rainstorms wash pollen away, and the humidity that follows the storm weighs pollen down keeping it from flying around. By contrast, a dry spell means trouble for anyone with a pollen allergy. During a dry season, trees and flowers release a great deal of pollen, and because there’s less moisture in the air, the wind can easily pick up and blow around the grains of pollen.

So, Rain Is Always a Good Thing?

Not so fast. While a light drizzle may help those with pollen allergies, a heavy storm can break up pollen grains into smaller particles. These smaller particles travel more easily through the air causing the pollen count to skyrocket when the storm passes. Moreover, it’s disastrous for anyone with mold or dust-mite allergies. Mold loves damp conditions, and dust-mites reproduce much more quickly when it’s humid. If you suffer from mold or dust-mite allergies, you’ll want to make sure to open the windows during the winter and spring months to air out the house as much as you can.

Top 5 Ways to Reduce Winter Allergy Symptoms

Buffalo, NY natives know how to brave the tough winter weather, but they don’t always know how to control rough winter allergy symptoms.

LEAVE THE WATER AT THE SEASHORE: SWIMMER’S EAR & STAYING DRY

How to Remove Water From Your Ear | Water trapped in your ear is not only irritating. If you leave it for too long, you can develop an ear infection fittingly referred to as swimmer’s ear. Thankfully, if you know how to remove water from your ear on your own, the condition should never progress to that point.

What can I expect at my ENT consultation?

Going to a medical specialist for the first time can be nerve-racking, especially if you’re already worried about your health. However, you can rest easy because you have nothing to fear. Below you’ll find a brief description of what you can expect from your first ENT...

How ENT Care WNY Can Help You

If you’re looking for ENT care, WNY has facilities all across the region that can help you get the treatment you need. Whether you’re struggling with allergies and asthma, your hearing is failing you, are you’re developing another serious condition, WNY has the healthcare services to find you a solution. Here’s what you need to know about WNY ENT care WNY.

ENT Care in WNY for Vocal Disorders

Laryngitis, inflammation of the vocal cords, is typically responsible for your hoarse voice. While laryngitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, it might also be caused by a straining of the vocal cords. Laryngitis can, however, become a chronic condition if it’s a result of long-term irritation.

Exploring Allergy Immunology in Buffalo, NY

Allergy-free in the middle of pollen season? If you suffer from severe seasonal allergies, allergy immunology in Buffalo, NY could be right for you. | If you’ve ever sniffed your way from March through September, you know how annoying seasonal allergies are. Constantly carrying around a box of tissues isn’t anyone’s idea of great summer! If this sounds a bit like you, then call us up to ask about allergy immunology in Buffalo, NY. We may have a more permanent solution for you.

Allergy Testing Could Help Prevent Anxiety in Teens

Adolescents in Buffalo, NY are busier than they ever were before. With violin lessons, baseball practice, youth group, social activities, and homework, they’re constantly under pressure. A recent study finds that those who also suffer from hay fever might be at a higher risk for developing depression and anxiety because of the added stress. If your child has an allergy, allergy testing can help you identify the allergen and develop an actionable plan for relief.

The Best Remedy For Allergy-Related Sore Throats

Sore throat killing you? Unfortunately, a sore throat is a common side effect of environmental allergies. Thankfully, allergy drugs aren’t your only option. Using ingredients you probably have on hand already, you can whip up a delicious pot of vegetable soup. Here’s our best recipe—from our Buffalo, NY clinic, to your kitchen.

How to Use Essential Oils to Cure Your Sinus Headache

Most of the time, the best sinus headache treatment in Buffalo, NY is simply TLC. If a sinus headache is caused by a more severe infection or nasal growths, you’ll have to visit your local ENT. However, more often than not, your sinus headache symptoms will disappear on their own within a few days.