RAIN HELPS ALLERGY SUFFERERS

Frequent rains over the past month helped people suffering from pollen- and mold-related allergies but offered greater opportunity for grass, a major springtime pollen-breeder, to grow, says a Cape Girardeau allergist.

The few sunny, humid days of the past month brought more pollen and mold, which meant more symptoms for allergy-sufferers, he said.

Dr. Robert Sacha, a Cape Girardeau allergist, said spring rain has been a blessing for allergy-sufferers, but he has still treated patients with amplified symptoms who haven't visited him in years.

"When I see patients who I haven't seen in two to five years, I know it's been bad," he said. "The weather plays a big part: Rain washes the air clean, but the pollen and grass pollen is usually peaking at this time of year."

Sacha said Cape Girardeau is unique in the United States because it lies within the eastern farming region and the northern tip of the southern coastal plain. Both are increased areas of discomfort for allergy sufferers, he said, and many times symptoms are much worse than they would be for an allergy sufferer living two hours north or west of here.

"This is a really bad allergy area," he said. "Spring and fall in Missouri are usually the worse times because we lie within these two major regions."

Dr. Jean Chapman, another Cape Girardeau allergist, follows the findings of his wife, Nona, who collects and records daily levels for various pollens and molds. He posts the reports in his office for his patients to view, and submits the information for state and regional comparisons to the American Academy of Allergies Pollens and Molds Network.

Chapman said the large amounts of rain recently have caused an increase in the amount of grass pollen and ascospores in the air. Nine grains of grass can make a person sick he said. Grass pollen levels for Tuesday measured 75 grains. Ascospore levels are considered high when measured at 2,500 or higher; Tuesday measurements were about 7,500.

"Grass levels are high enough now that people not allergic to grass could be affected," said Chapman. "In general, rising levels of pollen and mold spores will cause people who have allergic rhinitis to have it flare, with itchy eyes, runny nose, fits of sneezing and nasal congestion."

Chapman and Sacha said allergy-sufferers can alleviate symptoms by staying inside and keeping doors and windows closed; using air filters and conditioners to make their home cleaner and more comfortable; controlling dust and mold in the home; and avoiding perfume, paint, hair spray or any strong odors or fumes.