- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T. Li, M.D.
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James T. Li, M.D.
James T. Li, M.D.
"People with allergy or asthma can lead full and healthy lives." — Dr. James Li
Dr. Li is chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine and a board-certified asthma and allergy specialist. He hopes his expertise and the information on the site educates health care consumers in an area of rapid change both in medications and diagnoses.
"There are a lot of misperceptions about allergy and asthma," says Dr. Li, a New York City native who has been with Mayo since 1985 and works with a group of subspecialists in allergy, asthma and immunology. "I believe it's important to provide truthful, accurate information about allergy and asthma to the public. The more people know, the better they can take care of these conditions."
Dr. Li is a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a past director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is a fellow in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology honored him with the Distinguished Service Award and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology with its Special Recognition Award.
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Nasal spray addiction: Is it real?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Mold allergy: Should I get rid of my houseplants?
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Question
Mold allergy: Should I get rid of my houseplants?
I have a mold allergy, and my doctor told me I should get rid of my houseplants. Why is this necessary? Are houseplants a source of mold?
Answer
from James T. Li, M.D.
The soil used to pot houseplants can be a reservoir for mold and moisture. If you have a mold allergy, it's possible that houseplants could trigger allergy symptoms. Houseplants have been identified as potential triggers for hay fever (allergic rhinitis) as well.
In addition to removing houseplants from your home, you can take other steps to control your mold allergy. For example:
- Correct any water or dampness problems in your home
- Keep the indoor humidity level below 40 percent
- Remove carpets and upholstered furniture from your home
- Use an air conditioner with an allergen filter
