BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Yellow dust coating cars in parking lots signals a worse-than-normal pollen season, according to local doctors.
“In this time of the year, pollen’s really coming from trees. And when they start that part of their reproductive cycle is really based on temperature conditions. So when it’s getting warm and humid, that really is what the trigger is to start that germination process. And that’s the weather we have right now. So it’s certainly making the pollen levels higher than normal,” said primary care and concierge services Dr. Charles Sasser.
High pollen counts do more than cause sneezing. Sasser said they can also increase susceptibility to infections.
“When we’re having a reaction, then, our nasal passages are going to become more inflamed. So that’s going to cause you to be symptomatic. But additionally, that’s also a really nice nidus or site for infection to set in. So it’s going to make you more susceptible even to those viral bacterial infections as well,” he said.
Treatment and prevention
For those dealing with symptoms or hoping to prevent them, Sasser said a sinus rinse could be the best solution.
“Mechanically washing those pathogens out has a significant effect. So for symptomatic treatment, I love it. Helps blow out congestion, but I really try to push patients on as a preventative that, a few times a week to keep the pathogens, viral particles, whatever, from building up in your nose before it becomes infectious and causes you to be symptomatic,” he said.
Tree pollen is only the first wave. Sasser said conditions will shift as the season progresses.
“Whenever we move into late spring and early summer, we shift to grass. So that’s the ragweed and everything else. And people have different sensitivities to those allergens. So kind of knowing your own body and trying to avoid positions where you’re really coming in contact with it,” he said.
Sasser said people should monitor local pollen counts and stay on top of antihistamines like Zyrtec or Flonase. If symptoms get worse, he said, don’t wait to call a doctor.
Pollen can stick to more than just cars. It can stick to clothes, hair and just about any surface. To cut down on exposure, Sasser said keep everything clean to remove any layers that may build up.
Click here to report a typo. Please include the headline.
Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Watch the latest WAFB news and weather now.
Copyright 2026 WAFB. All rights reserved.
