1. Take a New Look at Summer Colds
When you find yourself with the sniffles accompanied by coughs or sneezing in July, you might think you've caught a summer cold. However, if symptoms seem to linger or you develop other symptoms such as congestion, skin rashes or itchy, red eyes, you might have a mold allergy. Mold comes from fungi that exist everywhere. When high mold counts exist, susceptible people experience mold allergy symptoms from airborne mold spores that make their way to the lining of the nose. Mold allergy symptoms are similar to hay fever symptoms, yet are not evident during high seasonal allergy times such as autumn or spring. Instead, outdoor mold allergies strike from July to late summer.
2. Look Indoors for Pesky Mold Spores
If winter comes with no sign of allergy symptoms fading, the mold causing your allergies might live indoors. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements and any place with high humidity provide a breeding ground for mold. Houseplants can also be mold producers. You need to take action if you notice more severe symptoms that involve trouble breathing, which can lead to asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Try using HEPA type air filters and dehumidifiers. If your symptoms subsequently subside, blame them on indoor mold.
3. Check Your Risk Factors
People at risk from mold allergies often have other family members with some type of allergy, although not necessarily to mold. Additionally, certain situations, such as working in a greenhouse, expose people to more mold. In particular, farmers, loggers, bakers, carpenters and winemakers also find themselves exposed to greater amounts of mold. The only way to be certain that you suffer from a mold allergy is via skin testing for allergies. Once a mold allergy diagnosis exists, try to control your environment by avoiding contact with spores and use medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays to control symptoms.
4. All Molds Aren't Created Equal
Typical mold spores cause inconveniences to mold allergy sufferers, but know that some molds can kill you. Black mold, also known as toxic mold, has appeared in some homes, spreading through air conditioning and heating systems. Toxic mold symptoms are much more severe than typical mold allergies and include nosebleeds, coughing up blood, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, anemia, memory loss and pulmonary hemorrhage. If you suspect toxic mold, you must leave the house immediately, particularly if you have children who have allergies.
