The end of May saw the highest count for mold of the Midwest’s 2014 allergy recording season, signifying that the predicted “pollen vortex” may be a bigger problem than first thought. According to Joseph Leija, creator of the Gottlieb Allergy Count at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, “The tree count is slowly starting to decline but all allergens are still at relatively high levels for the season.”
Back in March, the beginning of allergy season, Dr. Leija predicted a “pollen vortex,” a noxious cyclone of allergens that could affect people more heavily than past allergy seasons. According to Leija, “The traditional seasons for the different allergens have clumped together creating a solid front of recordable levels of pollens posing problems for those with sensitive respiratory systems.”
What was not foreseen, though, was how the daily rains and warm, humid weather would create the perfect environment for mold. Though the common mold allergy symptoms are typically mild problems like sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat, some cases may be more extreme. The way mold affects a person varies greatly depending on such factors as whether the individual has respiratory conditions, is particularly susceptible to allergens, or has immune system deficiencies.
Though there are few things people can do about outdoor mold growth, there are several different ways to staunch indoor mold growth. Such efforts include cleaning regularly, managing a home’s humidity and temperature, addressing leaks, and consulting with professional mold removal services when necessary.
While the most common mold allergy symptoms are typically mild at worst, the pollen vortex may aggravate them and make them worse, which is why it’s especially important this season to prevent indoor mold growth.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the best time to see a doctor about mold allergies is when a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, or other bothersome symptoms continue to persist.
