Seasonal allergies affect more than 35 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or the AAAAI. One of the most common causes of seasonal allergies is the growth of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are a type of fungi that release spores, or seeds, into the air to reproduce. They are at their all-time high during the springtime while everything is blooming. An allergy to mold and mildew should be diagnosed by an allergist.
Cause
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or the AAAFA, inhaled mold spores cause an allergic reaction in the body. The immune system releases IgE antibodies to ward off the mold and mildew spores and causes a release of histamine. Histamine causes common allergy symptoms such as the inflammation of the sinuses, the lungs and eyes. An allergy to mold and mildew mostly affects the upper-respiratory system.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an allergy to mold and mildew include excessive sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, sinus inflammation, runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip and sinus pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. People who suffer from allergy-induced asthma will experience asthmatic reactions such as chest pain, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing. Allergic asthma could result in a life-threatening situation and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Home Treatment
The AAAAI states that the best treatment for a mold and mildew allergy is to avoid exposure and eliminate all visible mold and mildew in and around the home. Stay indoors during springtime to avoid exposure. Keep the windows and doors shut, and take a shower after being outdoors for an extended period of time. Eliminate all mold and mildew in the home using a water and bleach mixture.
Medical Treatment
Common medications used to treat a mold allergy are decongestants, antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays, according to the Mayo Clinic. Decongestants address nasal congestion by reducing inflammation in the sinuses. Antihistamines block the body's ability to release histamine and prescribed corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce nasal inflammation. Immunotherapy is also used on patients with sever allergies to mold and mildew.
Complications
Asthma patients are at higher risk for experiencing a severe allergic asthma reaction to mold and mildew. If a person experiences lightheadedness, mental confusion or an inability to breathe, call 911. Consistent exposure to mold and mildew can cause sinusitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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