According to measurements from The Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic, pollen on Monday was measured at 1,727 particles per cubic meter of air -- the highest measurement so far for 2009.

By Tuesday, however, the pollen had dropped somewhat -- although it was still in the "extremely high" category, at 196 particles per cubic meter of air.

Major pollens present both days included birch, oak and sweetgum.

The clinic ranks pollen concentrations according to a chart based in part on common allergic reactions from a majority of people.

Concentrations of 0 - 30 are ranked as "low," and of little concern for a majority of people, including most allergy sufferers;

31 - 60 is "moderate," and presents a concentration of pollen that will begin to cause problems for many allergy sufferers;

60 - 120 is "high," representing a level of pollen that will cause problems for a majority of people with allergy symptoms;

121 and higher is "extremely high," representing a significant source of discomfort and issues for allergy sufferers; and also likely to cause some discomfort for people who do not normally have allergy symptoms.

March is one of the months in which pollen normally reaches high concentrations. According to the clinic's historic data, March had nine days in which pollen counts reached the "extremely high" threshold and six days that measured "high" concentrations.

For more about pollen counts and treatment strategies for allergies, see the clinic's website at www.atlantaallergy.com.