Those who suffer from allergies are finding the usual dose of relief hard to come by this winter. Normally, winter helps reduce the factors that help cause nasal allergies, as the ground is covered in snow and
temperatures plummet. But experts say warmer temperatures and increased moisture from rain have created perfect conditions for mold.
That’s kept local doctors like Dr. Doug Horton unusually busy this winter.
“Usually in the winter, particularly when you have snow cover outside, it knocks out the mold. There’s very little mold in the air if it’s below freezing and you have snow cover and the snow doesn’t melt. But, this year, it’s been differ- ent. We’ve had periods of cold. But, when it warms up the mold comes back. So, we’ve been somewhat busier this winter than we have in the past,” Horton told 24-Hour News 8.
Mold thrives in dead vegetation like decaying leaves on the ground, and isn’t easily killed unless the temperature is extremely cold. Because of snow pack, mold spores usually go dormant during the winter. Without that snow this year, they’ve continued to grow. If you breathe them in, they can trigger traditional allergy symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
“Usually it’s worst in the spring, when we start getting more rain, and in the fall when the leaves and wheats die. Some people look for relief this time of year. But, they haven’t gotten it because it hasn’t been cold and stayed cold,” Hor-
ton said.If you’re suffering from winter allergies this year, doctors suggest limiting your outdoor exposure on damp and foggy days, and buying a de-humidifier for your home. Experts suggest keeping indoor humidity levels between 40 per- cent and 50 percent. Read more at wishtv.com.
February 16, 2012
Allergy Season Expected Sooner This Year
While Hoosiers may enjoy this year’s mild winter, the above-average temperatures could mean a longer allergy season in the months ahead.
Medical experts said they expect allergy season to begin a month earlier than usual. Freezing temperatures and snow often keep allergy triggers such as dander and mold at bay, but because this year’s conditions are warmer, allergy sufferers may find themselves sniffling and sneezing more frequently. tinues. Dr. Pinkus Goldberg said he’s seen an increase in patients with similar problems as the mild and wet winter con-
“If there is no snow on the ground and it’s not very cold, the grass should start blooming,” Goldberg said. Allergy symptoms that usually pop up at the end of April could be in full swing by the last week of March. “Usually it’s quiet in February. There’s just snow on the ground and allergens aren’t as busy when there is snow
on the ground. But this year, January is very busy and many patients with chronic sinus problems or increasing asthma have problems because of the mold,” Goldberg said.
Teresa Abney suffers from allergies and said she’s definitely noticed a change.
“Even though it’s been mild, it’s been damp, you know. There’s been precipitation and that’s where the mold comes in,” she said. Abney said she survives the allergy season by getting a series of shots.
Doctors advised allergy sufferers to try to suppress symptoms sooner than later.
“Do whatever you do when the Spring is coming. Just anticipate it will be an earlier spring, unless the weather patterns change drastically,” Goldberg said.

You may think you have the cold that just won’t quit. But if you’ve been blowing your nose, rubbing your eyes, or suffering from congestion for more than two weeks, it’s time to consider a different diagnosis: allergies. They seem to be on the rise, a survey of more than 10,000 households found, and not just among kids — you can develop a nasal allergy for the first time as a grown-up.
“That surprises many of my patients. I hear ‘At my age?’ all the time,” says Jennifer Namazy, M.D., an allergy specialist at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA. Also, allergies you had in the past can suddenly get worse. In fact, adults between the ages of 35 and 49 are the group most likely to suffer, the survey found.
Beyond the annoying sneezing and drippy nose, people with allergies often have trouble sleeping, which can make them irritable. Worse, an out-of-control allergy ups the chances you’ll develop asthma — an inflammatory disease of the lower airways.
The only surefire way to protect yourself is to try to avoid the offending allergens. Reducing your exposure to them “can make your symptoms milder — and make it easier for you to get good relief from allergy medicines, at lower doses,” says Beth Corn, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Start by recording your symptoms for a week or more — when they flare up or settle down. The info will help pinpoint your triggers (more on these coming up) and assist your doctor in helping you get them under control. 5 Surprising Triggers
• Ragweed – Even if it’s nowhere in sight, this yellow flowering plant can still cause your sniffles. Ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind.
• Dust – It’s not just the bunnies themselves, but also bits trapped in the dust that set off allergies. Especially bothersome dust mites, creepy microscopic insects that live by the gazillions in the fibers of bedding, upholstered furniture and carpets.
• Pets – You probably know it’s not the fur of your dog or cat that makes you sneeze, it’s the dander — dandruff-like scales that are shed from the animal’s skin into the air — and saliva.
• Bugs – In case you didn’t already think cockroaches were repellent: When their saliva, feces, cast-off skins and dead bodies dry up, the bits become airborne and you can inhale them, triggering allergies.
• Mold – Bathrooms and damp basements are the most common places for mold to lurk in your home, but not the only hideouts. The dirt of indoor potted plants can breed the stuff too, and even grocery-store mushrooms, if you’re supersensitive, could make trouble, spreading spores throughout your kitchen

Do you feel yourself coughing, sneezing, and wiping your eyes?  It might not be the winter cold – but instead outdoor allergies. 

 The warm weather this year has created the perfect environment for mold spores to grow, and people suffering from allergies are noticing the difference.

The unusual conditions outside are making some people mistake allergic reactions for common cold symptoms.  Physician’s Assistant Nikki Zack says most of the symptoms are the same, which is why she recommends seeing a doctor if  you suspect you have allergies.

Read more at www.kstp.com.

It’s January and you would think that allergies are gone but with the warmer weather that is just not the case. Seasonal allergies are staying around longer causing people to think they have a sinus infection. Experts say that anytime the fall weather continues you will have these type of symptoms but the biggest problem is people knowing what’s wrong with them.

“I have several patients so far that have come in this season saying that I have a sinus infection, I need my antibiotic, and really the allergies are just persisting,” says Dr. Sarah Elneser, DO Family Medicine.

There are some things that will make it easier to tell what type of sickness you have.

“Low grade fever, even higher fever with some sinus infections, market facial pressure, market headache, and ears may be feeling like they are going to pop consistently,” says Dr. Elneser.

With winter allergies you want to make sure you wash your hands and keep things sanitized and make sure that your heater and ventilation systems are cleaned out. But the best news is there are some easy things to do to keep your breathing area clean.

“Make sure the dust is cared for in your home. Wash those need sheets and pillow cases, shower at night before you lay back down, before the allergies of the day are in your face and on your pillow case, “says Dr. Elneser.

If your symptoms are around for more than two weeks you need to make sure that you get to the doctor’s office again.

Cedar trees are also a problem this time of year. Doctors say you need to make sure you wash any clothing or items that may be around those type of trees.

Read more at www.ktul.com.

Eric J. Kaminetsky, D.O., Pharm.D. is a board certified osteopathic family physician that received his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Dr. Kaminetsky, then attended medical school at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine (UMDNJ-SOM).  Upon graduation from medical school, he completed an internship and residency in Family Medicine at UMDNJ-SOM, where he also served as Chief Resident.  His professional interests include musculoskeletal medicine and pharmacogenetics.