Many people experience allergic reactions to outdoor leaf mold during the growing season and indoor fungal spores at an time of the year. Together, fungal allergies represent both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Mold allergy symptoms, however, can be difficult to diagnose. A shift in indoor or outdoor environment may cause patients who never had fungal sensitivities before to develop them suddenly. Exposure to downed leaves, mildewed upholstery or old carpeting can all provoke similar physical reactions, including breathing and eye problems.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
The compound symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis demonstrate the two main actions of the immune system during an allergic reaction: inflammation and fluid buildup. As the University of Maryland Medical Center points out, when fungal allergen levels reach a certain point, individuals may show eye allergy symptoms.
Redness, irritation, itching and swelling in and around the eye area are brought on by the inflammatory response. Watery, overflowing eyes result from excess fluid in the mucous membranes, or conjunctivae, of the eyes.
Internal Itching
Inflammation caused by the internal release of histamines also makes the mucous membranes itch. The National Institutes of Health note that patients who are allergic to seasonal leaf mold will only experience itchy nose, mouth and throat for part of the year. Those who get allergic reactions from indoor molds will itch whenever those organisms reproduce or whenever patients disturb mold structures, or hyphae, around the house. While patients can sometimes anticipate seasonal allergy symptoms by following the mold counts on local pollen reports, they will have more difficulty predicting scattered perennial attacks.
Runny Nose
Allergic reactions to both outdoor leaf molds and indoor fungal spores and bodies create nasal problems, which may interfere with breathing. When fluid accumulates in the nasal mucous membranes, the body attempts to shed it through the nose and throat. The UM Medical Center relates that a runny nose and postnasal drip, in which mucus drains down the throat and into the esophagus, are common to seasonal and perennial fungal allergies.
Stuffy Nose
Some fluids can become trapped in the nasal and sinus cavities due to inflammation, blocking the nasal passages. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American reports that stuffy nose congestion often accompanies any type of mold allergy.
Sneezing
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the sneeze reflex accompanies inflammation as a means to expel or block additional fungal allergens from the body. Seasonal allergy patients, for example, may experience violent sneezing allergy symptoms from leaf mold kicked up and inhaled while on a walk.
