The world seems to spring to life this time of year as bulbs poke little green blades up towards the sun and trees begin to bloom with the promise of warmer weather and brighter days. Many of us experience our own renewal with an added bounce in our steps. However, about 5 percent of Americans are greeting the arrival of the new season not with joy but with dread. Thanks to mold spores from aspergillus, cladosporium, penicillium and other common fungi, they may instead be sneezing, coughing and wheezing their way through the next few months.
Although allergy symptoms can appear year-round for some, most people notice them most often in the spring. They develop when the immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless substance, such as the spores floating through the air. Symptoms may be controlled with antihistamines, decongestants, steroid sprays or shots, but prevention is generally considered preferable to treatment.
1. Avoid high-risk areas. Compost, wooded areas, flower shops, greenhouses and anywhere else inside or outside that tends to be warm, damp and full of vegetation are more likely to house fungus and leave you itching and sneezing.
2. Check your home. Homes are a common source of problems. Look for pipe leaks that could trigger fungal growth in the floors, walls or under cabinets. The basement should also be evaluated for black streaks or spots, which should be promptly cleaned with a diluted bleach formula to kill the growth and prevent future growth. If the growth is extensive or your symptoms severe, you may need to call a professional to get rid of it. Remove carpet from your living area, and service the furnace and air conditioner regularly to keep moisture levels and contaminants under control.
3. Clean smart. When you dust, vacuum or work outside in the yard, you are at risk of breathing spores into your lungs. Use a filtration mask to protect your respiratory system and reduce the risk of irritation.
4. Eat wisely.
Cheese, mushrooms, beer, sour breads, sauerkraut and similar foods may harbor spores and can trigger a reaction.
Spring allergies can really make you miserable and may even trigger asthma attacks. Talk to your doctor about getting an accurate diagnosis to get to the root of the problem and the right medications to ease your discomfort without unwanted side effects such as drowsiness.