Mold Allergy Symptoms

There are almost millions of types of spores populating the environment around us, and a few dozen of them can cause allergy in humans. These allergies also come in many types. The commonest allergic reaction to mold is asthma, and it cannot be completely controlled, except maybe by antihistamines. The fact that fungi that produce these mold spores can grow in all kinds of climates and geographies, adds to the woes of sensitive people.

Mold Allergy Symptoms

A mold allergy can trigger off symptoms similar to a generic respiratory allergic reaction. You will start with an itchy nose and throat and then sneezing starts, accompanied by a stuffy nose. The blocked nose, however, continues to drip and so do the eyes. In a little while, the sinuses appear inflamed and there seems to be a rash on the facial skin. In case of hypersensitivity, these symptoms may develop into an asthma like attack that triggers off excessive coughing and wheezing and shortness of breath. The patient finds it difficult to lie down and restlessness caused by inability to breathe compounds the problem.

What Causes Mold Allergies

In some people’s systems, whenever mold spores encounter the skin or body, the immune system automatically starts manufacturing antibodies to fight them. This enmity is remembered even long after the spores are gone. In many cases, these antibodies can recollect the invader attack and again trigger off the mold allergy symptoms, much to the persons discomfort. Histamines are released into the system, and the reactions are- itchy runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and difficulty in breathing.

Like for every other disease or condition, it is best to ascertain what triggers these allergies and avoid the substance. However, for some unfortunate souls, their allergic disposition is a gift from their genes and just cannot be avoided. In some cases, professional situations cause exposure to triggers, or even the home environment can cause severe allergies. If your basement or one of the walls has a growth of mold, there will be enough spores in the house to trigger allergy attacks. This growth can be caused by multiple reasons, a bad plumbing or leaky pipelines. In fact, mold is one of the hardiest crops to grow, and it can magically appear on leftover bread, behind pictures on walls in damp climates, even on damp soap, carpets and anything that can retain moisture. Any such thing lying around the house can trigger mold allergy reactions, and strong ones at that.

Meduical Facts on Mold Allergies

While sneezing and stuffy nose can also be a sign of common cold, if they persist for more than 2 weeks, and specially get noticeable in a particular place, see a doctor, and get it diagnosed. There are no actual medicines to control mold allergy but in most cases a dose of antihistamines helps.

Medically, the only accurate test for mold allergies is the allergy skin test. This test uses extracts of common allergens on your skin on different, numbered patches. The reaction to each of them is then noted down and the doctors can determine which of these elements you are allergic to.

Mold spore allergies are just that, allergies. The symptoms seldom get more serious than that. In a healthy immune system, allergy can only make life inconvenient. But if, for some reason you have an already weakened immune system, avoid all types of damp, musty places. Mold allergy spores can cause a lot of trouble for you then. The body will face a lot of trauma that the allergic symptoms will bring on, so avoid it.

In a healthy body the only real trouble mold allergy can cause is that of bringing on a dangerous asthma attack. In very bad cases, the physician can prescribe inhalers that have corticosteroids or broncho-dilators . These are fast acting medications that dilate your bronchioles, easing breathing almost immediately. In milder situations, the prescription usually holds antihistamines, which bring relief in a short while, but usually make one drowsy. Rhinitis (swollen adenoids and sinuses), can be treated using decongestants and also nasal sprays or drops.

When a genetic role is detected in your allergic reactions, science has away to keep your ancestral effects in check. Immunotherapy can provide shots that can take care of allergies for some time, but it is not enough to fight mold allergies in most cases. Researches for cures of these allergy symptoms are still on. But since prevention is better than cure, it is better to reduce the occurrence of the allergy symptoms by controlling the triggers. Start by getting rid of mold in your environment. Try to reduce dampness or humidity in your house or workplace. Plumbings in the basement causing leakages, or pipes causing dampness on walls should be rectified immediately. Ensure bathrooms are well-ventilated and clean at all times. AC ducts should also be cleaned regularly. Try to maintain the humidity levels in the house below 40%. This will help.

Take care of yourself too. Avoid damp weather or foggy walks. Try wearing a dust mask when you have to do work that rakes up dust. Nighttime is worst for airborne mold spores so avoid sleeping with windows open at night. If care is taken, mold spores allergy symptoms can be handled well.