Molds are fungi that thrive in warm, damp and humid indoor or outdoor places, such as basements, bathrooms, and under dead leaves and logs. Spores released from the mold cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to airborne allergens. According to a study on the adverse effects associated with indoor molds published in the "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine," about 5 percent of people will experience symptoms of mold allergy over their lifetime. Molds commonly affect the nose, eyes and throat, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat, runny or stuffy nose. According to MayoClinic.com, exposure to mold may also trigger symptoms of asthma in people who have mold allergy and asthma.
Wheezing
In people with mold allergy, wheezing may occur when mold spores enter the lungs and cause the airways to constrict and swell. Wheezing often sounds like a high-pitched whistling sound heard when an asthmatic person breathes out. Wheezing is usually heard through a stethoscope, but it may become audible when asthma becomes severe.
Coughing
Coughing is a symptom of both allergy and asthma. Postnasal drip may cause coughing in allergic people but people with asthma often have chronic cough, lasting more than 2 to 3 week. An asthmatic cough is often worse at night or early morning, when breathing naturally becomes more shallow and slow. Coughing may interfere with sleep or cause wakefulness, especially in children.
Difficulty Breathing
Exposure to mold may cause an allergic person to have breathing problems and shortness of breath, says MayoClinic.com. A person may also experience chest tightness, describing it as a feeling that something is squeezing or sitting on his chest. He may pant or gasp for air as the lungs work harder. A peak flow meter, a device that measures how well a lung works, will register a low reading when a person has breathing difficulties, notes MedlinePlus.
Asthma Attack
In some people, a severe asthma attack or episode may occur on exposure to mold, explains MayoClinic.com. The person may have non-stop coughing and wheezing, and gasp for air. He may hunch over or have trouble walking or talking because of difficulty breathing. The person may also begin breathing deeply and slowly or start to pant in a panic. The fingernails and lips may turn pale or blue. An asthma attack caused by mold exposure requires immediate medical attention.
