Mold allergies are extremely common, and for those that have a mold allergy and have been exposed to mold, their mold allergy can be quite bothersome. If one has not learned this from their allergist, people usually discover their mold allergy because they have allergy symptoms that do not end with the change of seasons.
How does a mold allergy work?
Mold is a type of microscopic fungi that reproduces asexually through spores. These spores become airborne to help the mold spread and grow. Inhaling or aspirating these spores is what triggers allergy symptoms. Mold spores cause most allergies to flare up from July to late summer, as this is when the most spores are airborne outdoors, but if you have mold in your home, allergy symptoms can continue all year long.
Those with mold allergies or sensitivities need to watch out for mold; it is everywhere. It has been estimated that there are about 400,000 species of mold. Outside mold grows on organic matter that is rotting; it helps to break down and recycle the matter in the ecosystem. You can find mold often on piles of fallen leaves, compost, and rotting logs.
Mold can also grow in the home. There are about 1,000 species of mold that are often found in North American homes. Mold loves damp, moist, and humid areas. There are plenty of those in the average home. Mold is found often in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Mold also grows in areas where water has been a problem, such as where there is flooding or leaks.
The good news for those suffering from mold allergies is that even though mold is everywhere, not all types cause allergy flare up. The bad news is that there are still a few dozen, including the four most common types of household molds, which do cause allergy symptoms.
How do mold allergies happen?
You can be born with a mold allergy, or it can develop over time; this is the same for all allergies. Those with mold allergies often have problems with other airborne irritants such as dust and pollen. This allergy can develop in those that have greater mold exposure, usually through occupation. Some occupations where workers are in greater contact with mold include farmers, carpenters, mill workers, greenhouse employees, and others who work often with plants.
Symptoms of a Mold Allergy
Allergy symptoms for mold and many other allergies include, sneezing, irritation to the eyes, congestion, runny nose, and itching. Those with mold allergies may experience these uncomfortable symptoms all year round if living or working inside a structure with a mold problem. Those with mold allergies can have additional symptoms or even additional problems due to mold exposure. Certain molds that commonly make otherwise healthy people ill can create additional problems, particularly if mold spores settle in the lining of the nose or in the lungs.
As mold allergy symptoms are similar to symptoms caused by other allergens, it is a good idea to consult with a physician. Skin tests are done to see what precisely you are allergic to. The doctor will test for mold and other allergens to see what has been the cause of your symptoms and to let you know what things you should be avoiding in the near future.
Treatment for Mold Allergies
It is important to note that allergies cannot be cured. While some have reported that their allergies have cured themselves, that isn’t the case for most people. Individuals should seek out effective treatments to manage symptoms.
Medications are available by prescription or over the counter that can help to control allergy symptoms. For some, medication isn’t enough, and immunotherapy is suggested. Immunotherapy is commonly known as allergy shots, and they do not work for everyone.
The best treatment for a mold allergy is to avoid mold spores. If you are exposed to mold in the natural environment, consider wearing a mask when mowing the lawn or doing yard work. If your symptoms are particularly bad seasonally, you will most likely want to limit your time outdoors as much as you can, especially if the published mold count is particularly high. If the mold exposure is coming from inside your home, you need to take action.
Removing Mold from your Home
If you mold exposure is from inside your home, you need to do what you can to remove not only the mold, but also to eradicate the source of the mold as well. If you find mold in your home, remove it immediately. If mold is growing on rugs, rags, clothing, books, or other such items, throw them away. Remove carpeting from areas that are overly humid or prone to water problems such as a bathroom or finished basement. If mold is growing on solid surfaces such as walls or floor boards, thoroughly clean these areas with soap, water, and maybe even bleach being sure to dry these areas completely afterwards.
When cleaning mold, you will want to be sure that you have well ventilated the area, and you will also want to take certain safety precautions. Wear a mask and gloves, and consider protective eyewear as well. Remember, even if you are allergic to some molds, other molds can make you very ill; do not take chances with mold.
Even if you do not see mold, clean the areas regularly where mold commonly grows. Clean sink basins, tubs, and showers thoroughly at least once a month. Clean out humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioning units often. Scrub and bleach your waste baskets, refrigerators, and other areas that are in contact with food or food waste regularly.
You will also want to keep humidity down in your home, particularly if you live in a more humid climate. Installing exhaust fans in your bathroom, laundry room, or any other smaller area can remove humid air quickly.
To prevent mold growth, you should reduce dampness and eliminate water problems. If there are reoccurring basement floods, a leak in the roof, cracks in foundation walls, plumbing leaks, or drainage issues, you should have these issues corrected immediately. This moisture will continue to create the damp conditions that promote mold growth.
Conclusion
Many people suffer from mold allergies, but these allergy symptoms do not need to be chronic. Mold is everywhere, but it doesn’t have to be in your home. There are several steps you can do to keep mold out of your home to keep you and your loved ones healthy and free from allergy symptoms.
Even if allergies are not an issue in your home, mold can be a huge problem. Please remember that not all molds irritate allergy sufferers; a lot of mold can make even the healthiest people very sick. If you find mold in your home, take immediate and aggressive action to remove it and to eradicate the underlying water or moisture problem that promoted the mold growth in the first place.
