Mold is everywhere. There are about 400,000 known species of mold, and there are about 1,000 species that are often identified in homes in the United States. Mold occurs throughout nature, but it can be a big problem once it starts growing inside the home.

Mold can make people very sick. While some types of mold are dangerous to everyone, other types of mold will only create symptoms in certain individuals. Those with mold allergies and asthma will most likely experience symptoms when exposed to any type of mold.

Allergenic Mold

Mold is microscopic fungi, and one of the three major types of mold is allergenic mold. This mold will not cause any reaction or health-related symptoms for most people, but those who are allergic to mold, have asthma, or any other respiratory condition are likely to feel symptoms brought on by allergenic mold.

In general, allergenic mold is the most common type of mold, and it is also, thankfully, the least harmful. This mold can cause symptoms that can be dangerous for those with asthma; allergenic mold can trigger an asthma attack or like symptoms. Any mold can also trigger an asthma attack, or even asthma-like symptoms, even in people who aren’t otherwise asthmatic.

Preventing Asthma Attacks

To prevent asthma attacks and other symptoms, one of the best actions you can take is to stay away from mold. If you have mold in your home, you need to remove it. With lots of ventilation, clean mold off of hard surfaces like walls with hot water and bleach. If mold is growing on plush or porous surfaces, you may need to throw these items away.

You should also do your best to prevent mold from growing in the first place. If you have a leaking roof, drainage issues, plumbing leaks, or reoccurring flooding, consult with a professional to have these problems fixed. If you end up having a one-time water incident, dry out the area as much as possible to prevent further mold growth.

You should also try to remove as much humidity as you can out of your home. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and basements are usually humid and are areas where mold is often found growing; it is a good idea to make sure that these areas are properly ventilated. Dehumidifiers may also be necessary to keep your home dry enough to prevent the growth of mold.

Conclusion

Mold can be particularly problematic for asthmatics. Mold spores can cause a variety of symptoms, and asthmatics are particularly susceptible. If you or anyone else in your household has asthma, it is even more important to keep mold out of your home. Mold is everywhere in nature, but it doesn’t need to be in your home.