Springtime in the Pine Belt means beautiful budding trees and blooming flowers. But for the 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring signals sneezing, congestion, runny nose and other signs and symptoms. Jamie Sisk, M.D, an otolaryngologist with Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Clinic of Laurel, said at least 30 percent of the population suffers from “some degree of allergy.” The key to alleviating this problem that occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance is two-fold, he says.

“First, you need to avoid certain substances and be extra cautious when you are around things that trigger your allergies,” said Sisk, who practices with Rusty Stevens, M.D. “Then, we can treat the allergy if it does occur.”

But for some, avoiding those “triggers” is not as simple as it sounds, especially when it’s the place they consider a safe haven — their own home — that’s making them sick.

“Sick house syndrome” is now used by some in the medical community to describe patients suffering from allergies, asthma and other acute health problems as a result of mold, dust and chemical contaminants emitted from air conditioning/heating units, carpeting, paneling and improper ventilation within the home.

The term is derived from “sick building syndrome,” first coined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1984. The EPA used the term to describe situations in which public building occupants experienced health and comfort effects linked to time spent in older facilities built with substandard and, in some cases, unsafe materials.

Sisk said that testing for mold allergy is a common occurrence in his practice. Some who haven’t been tested but are experiencing symptoms may be allergic to mold due to the fact that “mold is around us every day, in our homes and everywhere,” Sisk said.

“Mold is in all homes, not just older ones,” he said. “When you breathe in mold spores and have a respiratory mold allergy, this can trigger numerous allergy symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and watery eyes.”

If testing determines you have a mold allergy, the best defense is to reduce your exposure to the mold, Sisk said. While it isn’t possible to avoid all mold, medications can help keep allergy reactions under control, he said.

Sisk said dust mite and pet allergies are two additional problems his patients experience. While you can’t completely eliminate dust mites from your home, you can significantly reduce their number, he added. Lifestyle changes include washing bedding weekly and reducing humidity through the use of a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

The first line of treatment for controlling pet allergy is avoiding the allergy-causing animal as much as possible, but Sisk acknowledges this isn’t a viable option for most animal-lovers.

“It isn’t realistic to ask people to get rid of their pets,” he said. “The best line of defense is to keep pets out of your bedroom and never let them sleep in the bed with you.”

While Sisk can provide comprehensive testing to pinpoint the source of allergies and then prescribe medication, he can only advise patients on ways to allergy-proof their homes. Servpro, a national company that cleaned and restored the Pentagon after the building was almost destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack, can adequately handle that part of the problem, says Jason Neblett, marketing representative for the company’s Hattiesburg location.

“As most physicians tell their patients suffering from allergies, one of the most important things to do is get rid of their home’s allergens,” said Neblett. “Servpro can accomplish this in several ways. We are trained in mold removal and can clean and treat air ducts and the HVAC system. Also, we can clean other surfaces in the home that can cause health problems, including carpets, upholstery, drapery, blinds, ceilings, walls and hardwood floors.”

Neblett said having the air conditioning and heating, or HVAC system and ducts cleaned not only extend the life of the system, but allows clean, fresh air to circulate throughout the house. He added that even if the polluted air flowing from a system doesn’t make you sick, it can keep you from feeling your best. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

“Unclean air ducts blow bacteria, fungi, mold, pollen, pet hair and dust into the air,” he said. “To keep your immune system from working overtime, you need to make sure the air you’re breathing in a confined space is the best quality. That’s why it should be a priority, especially to those with allergies, to have the ductwork and HVAC system in their home or business inspected on a regular basis.”

Servpro uses an intense process to clean, treat and maintain air ducts and the entire unit, Neblett said. The treatment destroys mold, fungus, dust mites and other pollutants that invade duct-work. The resultant purified air is “like being in a home that has been cleaned and aired out for days,” he added.

Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of even small areas of mold growth may present health concerns, a condition often caused by water damage from flooding or leaking water lines, Neblett said. Water can quickly cause mold growth in your home or business, making it even more important to have your home professionally inspected.

Neblett said in addition to visible signs of mold growth, other indicators of the presence of excessive mold include strong, musty odors, evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth and excessive humidity in the home.

The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection. In most cases, Servpro will provide a free estimate of work prior to beginning any project. With the case of mold removal, a fee is charged due to federal regulations that require the company to acquire mold samples and send them for testing.

Neblett says that after a home has been professionally cleaned, the homeowner will notice a difference immediately.

“The house smells like fresh air,” he says, “but the improvement is not all cosmetic. If you have any trouble at all with your breathing, you will notice the difference right away. Right after we’ve treated a house, it’s easier to breathe the air. In the long run, most experience fewer problems with allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems.”

In addition to health benefits, the process also makes housekeeping easier by cutting down on dust. As a result, drapery, furniture, carpeting and other surfaces stay cleaner and last longer, Neblett says.

Following are some additional health tips from Mayo Clinic to help keep your home free of pollutants that can trigger allergies:

• Run the air conditioning regularly to decrease humidity.

• Use a micron allergy-grade filter in your ventilation system.

• Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.

• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.

• Clean floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA filter.

— Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers.

— Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 degrees.

— Vacuum carpets weekly.