The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that a mold allergy is a year-round reaction to mold spores and various fungi. A person with a mold allergy will experience common allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, irritated sinuses and a scratchy throat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While the best treatment for a mold allergy is preventing exposure to mold spores, it is impossible to completely avoid coming into contact with mold. Mold occurs in carpets, certain types of food and the air. If a person thinks she has an allergy to mold, she should talk with an allergist regarding possible diagnosis and treatment.
Indoor Mold
National Jewish Health says that the growth of indoor mold is a leading cause of mold allergy. Indoor mold may be found in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and basement. Mold thrives in dark, moist environments, such as in trash cans, under sinks and in damp cellars. To control indoor mold, a person should attempt to keep the bathroom as dry as possible using an exhaust fan or opening a window. Spoiled food in the kitchen should be discarded as soon as possible, and bleach can be used to kill visible mold under sinks.
Outdoor Mold
Outdoor mold grows in moist, shaded and humid conditions, such as under trees, around house foundations and under awnings. Outdoor mold develops in spring and summer months because most autumn and winter climates are too cold for mold to survive, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. A person can use outdoor-strength bleach to kill all visible mold by applying it directly to the mold. A person with a mold allergy should avoid rotting wood or other damp and decaying objects.
Airborne Mold Spores
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease says that mold spores are the small seeds of full-grown mold. Mold spores are airborne and not seen with the naked eye, causing a person with a mold allergy to have a difficult time identifying them. Airborne mold spores are typically inhaled through the nose, causing allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. A person can use an air purifier in his home to reduce the amount of mold spores found in the air. Removing all visible mold will also reduce the production of mold spores.
