Molds are microscopic fungi that can grow in areas exposed to moisture. Molds produce spores that can spread through air and be inhaled easily. When you inhale mold spores you may develop mold allergy that can cause several symptoms and health conditions. If you see visible mold growth or smell musty odors, you may have mold growing in your house and you should undertake steps to clean and remove the mold, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Causes
Your house may become infested with mold after it has been exposed to water or moisture. Leaky pipes, water damage, flood and other water exposures can lead to mold growth. Poor ventilation and living in places with high humidity can further increase the risk of mold. Mold can grow in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, carpet pads and other damp areas. If your home has mold damage, you can develop allergies when your immune system attacks the spores. Your body recognizes the mold spores as foreign invaders and develops antibodies against them. Antibodies trigger the cells of your immune system to react and produce histamine.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mold allergy resemble those of other upper respiratory allergies, according to MayoClinic.com. Common symptoms include watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, cough, itchy nose or throat and postnasal drip. However, symptoms can vary and you may have them throughout the year or only during a certain time of year. Symptoms of mold allergy can range from mild to severe and will usually manifest during damp weather. If you have asthma, molds can trigger wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.
Complications
Sometimes your mold allergy can get worse, especially if you continue to live in a mold-infested home. Mold allergy can lead to asthma, allergic fungal sinusitis, fungal infection of the lungs or hypersensitivity pneumonitis, notes the Mayo Clinic. In addition, black mold may cause headache, fatigue, fever, coughing, rashes and nausea, as well as bleeding lungs in infants.
Treatment
Ideally the best treatment for mold allergy is to avoid exposure to mold entirely. However, since mold is common, avoiding them can be difficult. You can ease your symptoms with a few medications, including nasal corticosteroids, over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. You may also reduce symptoms by sleeping with your windows open. To eliminate and prevent mold growth in your home get rid of damp sources by fixing leaks, install dehumidifiers in damp areas, use high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters in your air conditioners, change filters regularly and install ventilators to bathrooms.
