Allergies to mold and dust are a common cause of allergic rhinitis. Patients with allergies such as these have a sensitive immune system that causes inflammation of the nasal passages when these substances are inhaled. Treatment for these common allergies includes drugs aimed at reducing symptoms and injections which try to desensitize the immune system.
Development
Allergies to mold or dust develop after exposure to these substances. The immune system, the Mayo Clinic explains, is designed to recognize and attack bacteria, viruses and other infectious organisms. Allergens, such as mold and dust, are molecules which can inadvertently activate the immune system in some patients. Repeated exposure to allergens causes the immune system to treat these molecules as if they were something infectious, resulting in the release of chemicals, including histamine, that cause swelling and inflammation.
Symptoms
A mold or dust allergy typically affects the nose and the respiratory system, as this is the route of entry into the body for those allergens, Medline Plus notes. Consequently, patients with an allergic reaction to dust or mold often experience a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. As the mucus from the nose drips into the lungs, the patient may also develop a cough. Other symptoms include a rash or hives which can develop on the skin, particularly on the face. Patients may also develop irritation and redness of the eyes.
Risk Factors
There are a number of things that can predispose people to developing allergies to mold or dust. Because there appears to be a genetic component to allergies, patients with a family history of allergies are more likely to have allergies themselves. Frequent exposure to mold and dust, which can be the result of working in occupations such as farming, logging and carpentry, can lead to the development of allergies. Exposure to these potential allergens early in life can also lead to allergies because the immune system is still developing during childhood.
Diagnosis
Allergies to dust or mold may be suspected based on the symptoms. A doctor can examine the lining of a patient's nose using a small instrument to check for signs of inflammation and swelling that are typical of a respiratory allergy. Skin testing, in which small amounts of dust and/or mold are placed on the patient's skin, can also be done to see if the potential allergens are able to elicit an allergic reaction. Finally, doctors can order blood tests that look for the presence of special immune proteins, called antibodies, that can generate allergic reactions.
Treatment
For patients that cannot avoid exposure to dust and mold, symptomatic relief can be achieved using medications. Antihistamines and decongestants are commonly used medications which help relieve the swelling and congestion that mold and dust allergies can cause; both products can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. Corticosteroids can also be sprayed into the nose to suppress the body's inflammatory response. Patients with severe allergies may benefit from immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots. This treatment involves injecting the patient with small amounts of dust mites or mold in order to gradually train the immune system to ignore these compounds.
