Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Spring 2019

12 ARCHBOLD MEDICAL CENTER Spring fever got you down? HOW TO FIGHT TREE AND MOLD ALLERGIES—AND WIN Sick of sneezing? Call 229.228.2400 today for a referral. Loraine Williams, MD Otolaryngologist WHILE SPRING is a welcome change from the cold winter, it also comes with its fair share of seasonal allergy problems. Archbold otolaryngologist Loraine Williams, MD, MPH, specializes in the treatment of allergies and sinus disorders, as well as disorders of the ear, nose and throat. According to Dr. Williams, seasonal allergies can be bother- some for many people come springtime. “Once the temperatures rise, we start seeing pollen spores outside, which can make people uncomfortable if they are allergic to pollen,” said Dr. Williams. “The bright yellow-green pollen you can see doesn’t affect everyone, but it does herald the onset of the tree season.” What’s to blame? Spring is considered a tree pollen season. Mold is a year-round allergy, so it can also cause problems to the immune system in the spring. Trees cause allergies because they produce pollen cells that can be carried by the wind. The 11 types of trees that can trigger pollen allergies are oak, western red cedar, sycamore, maple, elm, birch, cypress, hickory, ash, poplar and walnut. These trees release pollen around the same time every year. If you are allergic or have sensitivity to pollen, you’ll start to notice symptoms such as sneezing; congestion; and itchy eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Mold spores work similarly to tree pollen. Mold releases spores that can also be carried by the wind, and they’re abundant in the air outside, espe- cially after a rainy winter. “Just like with tree pollen, people who suffer from mold allergies will experience sneezing; congestion; a runny nose; or itchy, watery eyes,” said Dr. Williams. What can help? There are over-the-counter medications that may relieve allergy symptoms. In addition, a couple of lifestyle changes can help bring relief. “Staying inside when the pollen counts are high is an easy way to limit allergy and asthma symptoms,” said Dr. Williams. “And while it is tempting to open up your windows and doors to air out your house, keep them shut to keep the pollen outside.” If your allergy symptoms persist and you feel like you’re always getting sick with a cough or head congestion, Dr. Williams recommends speaking with your primary care physician about a referral to an allergy specialist. Through allergy testing, the specialist can help determine what is triggering your symptoms and recommend the right treatment for you.