SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - We are close to saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring.
But the change in seasons can make allergies get out of control and that's what's going around this week.
Allergist Gregory Lux with Mercy Hospital in Springfield says the most common types of allergies are two that are hard to avoid.
"The most common allergy in the world is dust mite or mold allergy," explains Lux.
Dust mites are microscopic organisms you can't see.
"They inhabit our homes and live in our beds, your pillows, your couches and your rugs," says Lux.
Lux says 1 in 5 people are allergic to them.
Mold allergies come from the trees outside.
Good news if you're not a fan of the outdoors, but if you're starting to air out the house to get ready for spring that means mold is coming in.
"Mold spores find a wet place like the bathroom where you have more moisture than you should and stay there and grow," says Lux.
So what should you do to treat these allergies?
Lux says a correct diagnosis is the key and that's done through an allergy test.
The test will help you find out exactly what you're allergic to that way doctors know how to treat your symptoms.
Here are a few more things you can do around the house to fight off allergies.
- Vacuum twice a week
- Keep windows closed to reduce pollen entering the house
- Buy washable throw rugs
- Change filters in your vents at least once a month
