According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or the AAFA, mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, humid and dark areas. It spreads by producing small particles that float in the air called spores. Mold spores can be found in carpets, around the foundation of the house and outdoors among trees and plant life. People who are allergic to mold will respond to mold contact with symptoms such as nasal discharge, watery eyes and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, the most common symptoms of a mold allergy are sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, sinusitis, postnasal drip, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Symptoms will subside once the allergen is removed. If symptoms persist, it may be a sign of a complication such as a sinus infection. The AAFA states that mold spores can become lodged in the sinuses or lungs causing hay fever symptoms.
Cause
The cause of an allergy to mold is the reaction of the immune system. If someone's immune system perceives mold as a harmful substance, it will attack it to defend the body. In doing so, the body releases antibodies and histamine that cause common allergic reaction symptoms. For a proper diagnosis, seek the advice of an allergist who can determine an confirm an allergy to mold.
Avoidance Treatment
According to NationalJewishHealth.org, the most effective treatment is to avoid exposure to mold. Mold grows in damp, dark places such as in basements, on outdoor walkways and in the bathroom. Eliminate all visible molds using bleach and water. Maintain a dry, well-ventilated and well-lit house to prevent new mold growth. Discard any old food with mold growth and use a ventilation fan in the bathroom while taking a shower. Get rid of any decaying material near the house, such as old leaves or mulch.
Medical Treatment
The AAFA states that over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can be used to manage mold allergy symptoms. While these medications can help to alleviate common mold symptoms, they do not cure the allergy. Antihistamines and decongestants can be purchased in a single pill. The antihistamine prohibits the body from releasing histamine which causes the symptoms and decongestants reduce sinus inflammation providing the ability to breathe.
Consideration
Someone with a severe allergy to mold should consider immunotherapy, according to the MayoClinic.com. Immunotherapy is allergy shots that are administered on a weekly basis by an allergist for three to five years. Allergy shots desensitize the immune system to the allergen and can provide permanent relief to a mold allergy.
