MOLD COUNT BREAKS RECORD IN REGION

A record-high mold count is causing allergy problems for those with even a mild sensitivity to the allergen.

"Those with extreme sensitivities are miserable," said Dr. Janna Tuck, a Cape Girardeau allergist.

The mold count taken Monday and reported Wednesday by the National Allergy Bureau Reporting Station in Cape Girardeau was 112,878 spores per cubic meter of air. Tuck said a high count is 30,000 to 40,000, and at this time of year it isn't unusual for the count to peak at 60,000.

"So we're almost twice what would be expected," Tuck said.

The high mold count causes itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, sinus drainage, sneezing, coughing and congestion for those sensitive to mold. The count is so high it may even cause problems for those with no sensitivity to mold.

"Mold is extremely irritating," Tuck said, pointing out it is full of toxic enzymes.

She said people with asthma and respiratory problems should be especially alert to problems.

Mold is usually high in this area at this time of year because of crop harvests, said Dr. Jean A. Chapman, a retired Cape Girardeau allergist and past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

During the fall when farmers harvest corn, soybeans, rice and cotton, a large cloud can usually be seen behind the equipment, Chapman said. "Many people think this is dust, but it's pure mold spores," he said.

Then there is the explosion of spores caused when last weekend's rain fell on mold lying dormant in dying vegetation and early leaf drop caused by a long dry spell, Tuck said.

Combine the two, and you get extraordinarily high counts.

While Tuck hopes the mold count won't top 100,000 for more than a few days, she predicts the count will stay high for three to four more weeks. As long as framers are harvesting crops, it stirs up lots of mold, Tuck said.

"It will take a good freeze to get the count down low," Tuck said.

The good news is that mold is about all allergy sufferers have to worry about right now, Tuck said.

Pollen season is nearly over for the year. Monday's pollen count was a moderate 10, and all pollen was from weeds.

For those having problems with mold allergy, Tuck recommends:

-- Keep windows closed and air conditioning on in both home and car. In the car keep the air conditioner on recirculate to keep from pulling in mold-laden air from outside.

-- Stay indoors when possible.

-- For those who go outdoors, limit activities or pretreat with an antihistamine.

"If you are having trouble controlling symptoms with an over-the-counter antihistamine, get with your physician," Tuck said.

There are stronger prescription antihistamines and nose sprays that may better control symptoms, she said. Controlling symptoms is important because a prolonged stuffy nose can lead to a sinus infection, she said.