ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES
Pollen is one of the most common causes of allergies in the United States. Produced by trees, flowers, weeds, pollen is a very fine powder used to to fertilize other plants. The immune system normally defends the body against harmful invaders — such as viruses and bacteria — to ward off illnesses.
In people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the harmless pollen as a dangerous intruder. It begins to produce chemicals to fight against the pollen. This is known as an allergic reaction, and the specific type of pollen that causes it is known as an allergen. The reaction leads to numerous irritating symptoms, such as:
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Sneezing
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Stuffy nose
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Watery eyes
Read more about Pollen Allergies
If you have an allergy that occurs over several seasons, you may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. Molds live everywhere, and upsetting a mold source can send the spores into the air.
Mold and mildew are fungi. They are different from plants or animals in how they reproduce and grow. The “seeds,” called spores, travel through the air.
Inhaling the spores causes allergic reactions in some people. Allergic symptoms from fungus spores are most common from July to early fall. But fungi grow in many places, both indoors and outside, so allergic reactions can occur year round.
Unlike pollens, molds do not die with the first killing frost. Most outdoor molds become inactive during the winter. In the spring they grow on plants killed by the cold. Indoors, fungi grow in damp areas. They can often be found in the bathroom, kitchen or basement.
Learn more about Mold Allergies
SUMMARY
If you are concerned about your pollen or mold allergies, Dr. Tamayev would like to help. Dr. T will perform necessary testing and work with you to reach an accurate diagnosis. Dr. T will also develop a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and help you get back to normal. Book an appointment today by using the button below!