By understanding these cycles, you may be able to minimize your allergy suffering. Pollen enters the nose or eyes and lands on mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Mucous membranes contain mast cells coated with IgE antibodies that function in the body's immune system. When the mast cells of allergy prone patients are exposed to pollens, the antibodies cause the release of histamines from the cells. Mold Mold spores, or microscopic fungal spores, can have the same reaction in allergic patients.
Molds are parasitic, microscopic fungi without stems, roots or leaves.
Because the spores are so small, they are also easily dispersed by the wind, and can invade the upper respiratory tract in the same way pollens do. Mold present outdoors and, equally significant, indoors, is a major contributor to allergy symptoms in patients. People allergic to molds can have symptoms from spring to late fall, and usually peak from July to late summer. Like pollens, mold spores are important allergens only if they are easily carried by wind or air currents. Molds are prevalent in the Midwest, where they grow on grains such as corn, wheat, oat, and barley.