More than 20% of the U.S. population (over 50 million people) has one or more types of allergy. Allergy occurs when your immune system over-reacts to a normally harmless substance, it builds excessive antibodies to that specific substance. These antibodies in your blood trigger allergic symptoms when you are re-exposed to that substance. Allergies may be due to substances you inhale to include plant pollens (trees, weeds, and grasses) molds, house dust mites and animal dander.
Most pollen grains are microscopic and are easily inhaled into the respiratory system where they dissolve in secretions and the allergic substance is released into your body. Pollen grains from plants with inconspicuous blooms such as Chinese Elm trees, ragweed and grasses are lightweight and remain suspended in the air long after they are released from the plants which may travel great distances (up to 400 miles) in the wind. Therefore pollens produced many miles away may cause allergy symptoms.
In Colorado, generally, trees pollinate in the early spring, grasses pollinate in the summer and weeds pollinate in the late summer through early autumn. Pollen counts tend to be the greatest in the morning on warm, dry, windy days and are the least during cool, wet periods. There are ways to reduce the exposure during high pollen count periods; the best measure is by remaining indoors where the air can be filtered. However, if you are going out of doors, wearing a face mask will reduce the amount of pollen inhaled.
In the Rocky Mountain region, Ragweed is the most prolific producer of allergenic pollen but other sources include Pigweed, Lamb’s Quarters, Russian Thistle and English Plantain.
Molds are small plant-like organisms that release spores at various times which are easily inhaled resulting in allergy symptoms. Mold spores can travel great distances just like pollens if the conditions are favorable. Molds prefer humid environments, semi-dark and warm temperatures. Outdoors, molds grow on decaying logs, or in piles of fallen leaves in shaded moist areas. Inside the home, molds grow in bathrooms, under sinks, in basements, air conditioners and in humidifiers. However, even in Colorado, with our dry climate there are mold spores. Alternaria and Hormodendrum are molds most commonly found both indoors and outdoors in our region of the U.S.
To reduce exposure to molds, the following measures may be taken. Indoors, be sure to remove mildewed carpet, promptly repair plumbing leaks, store food in sealed containers and remove houseplants. Outdoors, avoid raking leaves into shaded areas to decompose.
House dust mites are microscopic and can be inhaled causing allergic symptoms. Even in the cleanest of homes, dust mites thrive and prefer warm (68-84 degree F) humidified (excess of 70%) environments. House dust mites diet consists of human shedded skin flakes which are commonly found in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpet and stuffed animals. The life span of the dust mite is 2-4 months. It is the decomposed dust mites bodies and dust mite waste products that are inhaled which provoke the allergenic reaction.
To reduce exposure to house dust mites, encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in dust proof coverings. On a weekly basis, change bed linens and wash them in hot water. Vacuuming bedrooms frequently including windowsills and drapes. Use special air filters throughout your home. Minimize fabrics that collect dust by considering leather or wooden or plastic furniture. For children, minimize stuffed animals and wash them frequently in hot water.
Pets, specifically cats and dogs, can cause allergy symptoms. Allergies to animals can take 2 or more years to develop. Cats are the most allergenic of the pets. A potent allergy producing substance, a protein, is found in the cat saliva and in the glands at the base of the hair. As cats lick their hair, these proteins become distributed over their coat, then their hair is shed and it is the decomposition of these substances that can be inhaled. Although dogs are less allergenic, they still produce an allergenic substance.
To reduce exposure to pet dander, pets should not be kept inside the home. It may require more than 6 months of routine housekeeping after the pet has been out of the home to rid the home of these animal allergy-producing substances.
If you suspect that you have allergic symptoms, talk with your COA physician. Your physician will evaluate your symptoms and consider allergy testing. At COA, allergy testing can be performed to determine if you are allergic to various pollens (weeds, trees and grasses), dust mites, molds and animal dander.