Chicago Allergies: Summer Cold Or Moldy Mess?

Leading Asthma and Allergy specialist, Dr. Brian Rotskoff, helps patients breath through the all-time high Chicago mold count.

News provided by

clarityallergycenter.com

Sep 07, 2012, 02:07 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Itchy, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion. What a way to end the summer! With an off-the-charts Chicago mold count in recent weeks, your misery may actually be mold allergies, not a summer cold. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma sufferers are experiencing nasal congestion and hay fever symptoms like never before as the Windy City blows microscopic mold spores in everyone's path. These days, the allergy index is all about mold count, not pollen count.

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Clarity Allergy Center's allergy, asthma, and immunology expert, Dr. Brian Rotskoff, can help you find the most effective methods for managing your allergic rhinitis (hay fever), childhood nasal allergies, sinus headaches, asthma attacks, and even skin reactions like atopic dermatitis (eczema).

"Mold allergy symptoms can be an exact match to hay fever symptoms and even a cold," says Dr. Rotskoff, "Distinguishing the cause makes all the difference in finding the right remedy."

Over the past few weeks Chicago experienced record mold counts, nearly triple the readings normally considered to be high. What's causing the moldy mess? Experts say the rise in outdoor molds stems from unusually high rainfall mixed with extreme heat and humidity. Mold grows easily in wet, warm grasses, grains, leaves, compost piles, and even rotting farm crops, and mold spores take to the air and multiply fast.

As Dr. Rotskoff explains, "Even a short time outside is enough to trigger a severe mold reaction when the outdoor air quality is this poor, even in people who've never had allergies before. An asthma attack, major nasal symptoms, and even a skin reaction like eczema are all possible for those who are susceptible."

Chicago's cold winter will eventually kill off the outdoor mold spores, but with months to go Dr. Rotskoff encourages sufferers to seek relief so they can enjoy the autumn ahead. "Once we isolate the cause of your symptoms we'll start immediately with the right treatment and breathing support. Allergy and asthma medications give tremendous relief, but it can be tough for people to sort out which is best for them."

In addition to a thorough consultation at Clarity Allergy Center, the doctor also suggests that those with mold allergies stay indoors as much as possible. Indoor air quality can be improved with air conditioners equipped with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters. He suggests using A/C even in the car and showering as soon as you get home to remove hidden mold spores from your body and hair.

Find out more about banishing mold symptoms by visiting www.clarityallergycenter.com or calling 773-877-3500 for a consultation with Dr. Rotskoff. You'll find Clarity Allergy Center offices located in Chicago and Arlington Heights, close to Lincolnwood, IL, Skokie, IL, Park Ridge, IL, Morton Grove, IL, and Niles, IL, Mount Prospect, IL, Palatine, IL, Elk Grove, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL, Bartlett, IL, Lake Zurich, IL, Schaumburg, IL, and Elgin, IL.