This detailed calendar is built on 13 years of rigorous data collection in leicester, revealing seasonal peaks for 23 types of fungal spores, each with varying activity levels throughout the year.
Fungal spores are tiny particles released into the air by fungi, similar to pollen. When inhaled, these spores can trigger allergic reactions or worsen asthma and other respiratory issues. Thanks to the groundbreaking work of researchers at the national institute for health and care research (nihr) leicester biomedical research centre (brc), this calendar represents a major advancement in respiratory health management across england. The study published online in the journal allergy in october 2024 was led by fiona symon, experimental officer in respiratory sciences at university of leicester.
Mold allergy and asthma
Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment, and their spores are found widely in the air.
As early as the 12th century, fungi were recognized as aeroallergens. Living in a damp or moldy environment has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of developing asthma, allergic rhinitis/sinusitis and atopic dermatitis as well as increasing severity of allergic diseases. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13
when we refer to mold allergy, many patients question, "just what is mold and where are specific molds found?" this informational sheet is intended to help our patients understand more about mold allergy. Molds are actually very small plants that grow both indoors as well as outdoors. Molds thrive in the presence of dampness and darkness. Molds typically occur on other plant or animal matter such as fruit, flour and leather. Air currents cause mold to circulate in the atmosphere as a dust also called spores. The two most commonly occurring outdoor molds area alternaria and cladosporium. These mold spores are measurable in the spring.