Colorado has been experiencing a significant amount of rain the last couple of weeks. While this is good for farmers, it also means everything is blooming and pollen is in the air. As it continues to rain and the air is humid, mold is prone to grow.

Mold grows year round, indoor and out, but is worse outdoors during the summer and fall. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny/stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. If mold allergies are not treated, they can cause further health problems.

You can keep your house free of mold by using fans when showering and cooking, cleaning bathrooms frequently and fixing any leaky pipes, doors and windows. Rain also causes trees, grass and weeds to grow and produce pollen. This makes it easy to track in wet leaves and grass that contain mold growth and pollen.

While the rain continues you can prevent allergy symptoms by keeping your house clean and free of water, grass and leaves. Keep gutters clean and windows and doors closed so pollen and mold do not enter. Make sure to dust the house and vacuum carpet and throw rugs weekly. If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, you can try the following steps until you are seen by a specialist.

• Nasal washes twice a day (more if you are feeling stronger symptoms)
• Over-the-counter decongestants and/or antihistamines
• Saline nasal sprays
• Over-the-counter eye drops

Barometric pressure drops when it rains or snows and can cause or worsen asthma symptoms. If this occurs you should see an asthma specialist. If you are concerned about allergies, schedule an appointment with an Allergist. They will go over your symptoms and do an allergy test. Based on your results, they will discuss further treatment. You do not have to suffer through this weather!