Mold Allergies Thrive in Mild Winter

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,” Horton 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.