Mold allergy is one of the most common airborne allergies, affecting about 5 percent of Americans, according to an article in the May 2003 "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine." Those allergic to molds usually are affected year-round because the fungal spores abundantly grow in damp places indoors and outdoors. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), people allergic to molds also may be allergic to other airborne allergens such as pollen, dander and dust mite. Hence, mold allergy shares the same symptoms as other airborne allergens.
Asthma
Asthma is a common health problem in people allergic to mold. Asthmatic symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or rapid breathing. Symptoms may occur almost immediately on inhaling mold spores and may become severe in those who have existing asthma. According to an article in the October 2006 "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology," infants with a history of allergy are more likely to develop asthma if they live in homes infested with molds. Physicians may advise parents to get their infants tested if mold allergy is suspected.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is another common reaction to mold exposure in those with allergies. Breathing in mold spores may trigger symptoms that include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, teary eyes and itchy nose, eyes, throat or skin. Continued exposure to mold may make the symptoms worse and cause persistent coughing, clogged ears, a decreased sense of smell, fatigue, irritability and dark circles to form under the eyes, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Mold allergy may cause eye irritations known as allergic conjunctivitis, or "red eyes." The tissue lining the eyelids become quickly inflamed when mold spores enter the eyes. The National Library of Medicine describes symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis as intense itching or burning, puffy eyelids, teary or watery eyes and stringy eye discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis may recur if exposure to molds continues.
References
- "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine"; Adverse human health effects associated with molds in the indoor environment; B.D. Hardin; May 2003
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Mold Allergy
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology"; Mold damage in homes and wheezing in infants; Seung-Hyun Cho; October 2006
- National Library of Medicine: Allergic Rhinitis
- National Library of Medicine: Allergic Conjunctivitis
