It takes a two-pronged approach to eradicate the effects of persistent environmental allergens such as black mold. The mold-friendly environment must be treated in addition to allergy symptoms, or molds will continue to grow and patients will continue to feel ill. Some people with mold allergies also have asthma, and exposure to certain levels of mold can trigger attacks. Leaving allergies untreated and visible mold growths in the home or work place can lead to life-threatening respiratory conditions. Addressing mold issues, however, brings immediate improvement.
Allergy Medicines
Patients can use over-the-counter or prescription medications to ease occasional or everyday symptoms from mold allergies. Antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine treat runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing. Decongestants such as phenylephrine and oxymetazoline relieve only stuffy-nose allergy symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some allergy medicines combine both types of drug, usually labeled with a "D" after their brand names.
These drugs may be too strong or too sedating to take every day. Decongestants, particularly, should not be taken for long terms. Patients with frequent breathing problems from inhaling black mold spores may wish to request prescriptions for nasal corticosteroids from their doctors. These allergy medications, including fluticasone propionate, budesonide and mometasone furoate, come in nasal spray form and are safe and effective for daily use against all respiratory symptoms.
Asthma Treatments
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that, even in well-maintained environments, everybody is exposed to some degree of mold contact every day. This poses dangers for asthmatics. Patients don't always know when mold infests an area, because growths can only be seen when colonies grow large enough.
In addition to treating allergy symptoms, asthma patients need special help in controlling their conditions. This can prevent asthma attacks even when visible black mold is present. Long-term corticosteroid therapy drugs such as bethclomasone and oral fluticasone must be inhaled by mouth daily to avoid the onset of chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath, in addition to the other symptoms of mold allergies.
Environmental Treatments
Clearing the indoor environment of black mold colonies and performing periodic cleaning will reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms and related asthma problems, according to the CDC. Patients can wear barrier masks while washing hard surfaces with a bleach solution of one part bleach to eight parts water.
Visible mold or moldy smells on carpeting, furniture or wall board indicates a need for total removal. To keep mold allergies at bay, patients should employ room dehumidifiers or ventilation systems that keep indoor humidity in the 40 to 60 percent range.
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