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Tree Mold & Allergies

About 35 million people suffer from seasonal allergies to such allergens as mold spores from trees and pollen, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Symptoms can be mild to severe, depending on a person's immune system.

  1. Significance

    • People can miss work and even require hospital visits for respiratory problems, such as asthma related to mold allergies. Many newspapers report outdoor mold spore counts in a daily air-quality index.

    Effects

    • Besides asthma, tree mold allergies can cause typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion and coughing.

    Types

    • Alternaria is one of the most common types of both indoor and outdoor mold. This fungus can attack tree leaves, and its spores become airborne, causing allergic reactions. Decaying trees can emit trichoderma and aspergillus mold spores. Christmas trees can also carry alternaria and other molds.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Most people with tree mold allergies can get relief with antihistamines and over-the-counter nasal sprays. Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids for more severe symptoms. Some people opt for allergy shots to build their immunity to tree mold.

    Warning

    • Antihistamines for tree mold allergies should not be taken driving or operating heavy machinery, because antihistamines typically cause drowsiness.

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