pollen and mold allergy

The problem with pollens and mold

Pollen, a microscopic reproductive cell released by trees, grass and weeds, is carried easily by the wind. As soon as plants begin to bloom and pollinate, spring allergy season is officially underway.

Trees pollinate months before grasses and weeds and earlier in warmer climates. For example, in the Northeast and upper Midwest, the tree allergy season generally begins in March or early April, while the tree pollen season can begin as early as January (or even December) in hot climates.

Grass is the next to pollinate. In the West and along the Gulf Coast, this typically begins during March. In the Southeast, it's not until April, and in the North, not until May.

Weeds are the last to pollinate. For most of the nation, this starts in June or July. However, it can begin as soon as April in the West and in Florida. In late summer to early fall, ragweed is a particular annoyance for many, affecting about 75 percent of allergy sufferers.

Mold spores, which grow in places such as damp soil, dead leaves and rotting wood, also can be a nuisance to those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Like pollen, mold spores are carried easily by the wind once airborne. Though always present, these spores increase in number as the temperature rises. "While there's not really a defined peak for outdoor molds, late summer to early fall would tend to be times when they might cause greater problems," Dr. Li says.

allergy and odors

Question: The smell of perfumes, detergents, cleaners-anything that has a smell gives me a terrible sinus headache. If I am around the smell for too long I get congestion in my ear. Over the counter as well as prescription medications do not help. I don't go out much because of all the smells. My allergist doesn't seem to understand how ill I get and it is getting worse. What can I do (my sister suffers from the same type of allergy).

Odors and smells can be irritating, especially if the odor is strong or unpleasant. People who are prone to this kind of irritation may experience headaches, congestion and even nausea when exposed to certain odors. The medical term for this sort of problem is non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis.

Perfumes, fragrances, fumes, solvents and cigarette smoke are common irritants.

This problem is different from allergic rhinitis or hay fever, which can be caused by an allergy to pollen, animals or dust mites. We look at non-allergic rhinitis as a response to an irritant rather than an allergic reaction. Hence, there are no allergy tests for sensitivity to perfumes or fumes.

Oral decongestants or a corticosteroid nasal spray may offer relief in some cases. Otherwise, the best thing to do is to avoid the stimulus.