Mold is a common micro-organism found in outdoor and indoor air. A mold allergy may be triggered if you breathe in air that contains mold spores and your immune system identifies these spores as harmful. If this happens, your body can produce IgE antibodies to neutralize the spores. Once these mold-specific IgE antibodies have been produced, they react to the mold spores every time you get in contact with them.
Symptoms
If you are allergic to mold, breathing in air that contains mold spores triggers histamine release in your body that causes several symptoms including sneezing, coughing, watery and itchy eyes, stuffy or runny nose, postnasal drip and itchy throat. For those with asthma, contact with mold spores can also trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Treatment
The best way to avoid an allergic response to mold is to avoid exposure to mold spores by eliminating or reducing mold growth in your surroundings. If you do get exposed to mold, you can help ease the symptoms by taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as cetirizine, also known as Zyrtec. Cetirizine helps reduce the symptoms caused by histamine, by blocking the molecule, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Zyrtec
Cetirizine can be bought as tablet form or as a syrup to help ease symptoms of mold allergy. Consult your doctor before taking Zyrtec to treat mold allergy. It is essential you tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, especially cetirizine or hydroxyzine, or are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription medications. Taking Zyrtec in combination with other medications can cause side effects. Zyrtec can cause some side effects including drowsiness, dry mouth, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. If you experience difficulty breathing after taking Zyrtec, immediately call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Risk Factors
Your risk for developing a mold allergy is increased if you work on a job site or live in a home that exposes you to mold on a regular basis. Buildings with high humidity levels and poor ventilation can trap moisture, which creates an ideal environment for mold growth and causes mold spores to be released to the surrounding air. Eliminate any sources of humidity in your home by fixing water leaks and ventilating regularly. You may also consider using a dehumidifier and using a high-deficiency particulate, or HEPA, filter in your air conditioner and other air ventilation devices.
