Mold Allergy

Mold allergies happen when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks mold spores, tiny bits of mold that float in the air. This overreaction causes uncomfortable symptoms like coughing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. For some people, a mold allergy can trigger asthma, making it hard to breathe. This is because the mold exposure inflames the airways, making breathing more difficult.

The most effective way to manage a mold allergy is to limit your exposure to the types of mold that bother you. This might involve cleaning areas prone to mold growth, using air filters, or keeping windows closed during high-mold-count times. Medicines, like antihistamines or nasal sprays, can also help lessen the allergic reactions. These medications can help control the symptoms, making you more comfortable.

Mold allergies trigger similar symptoms to other upper respiratory allergies. These allergies can cause a variety of uncomfortable feelings. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Sneezing: A sudden burst of air from your nose.
• Runny or stuffy nose: Your nose might feel congested or produce a clear or slightly yellowish liquid.
• Cough and postnasal drip: A persistent cough, often accompanied by a feeling of mucus dripping down the back of your throat.
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat: These areas might feel scratchy and uncomfortable.
• Watery eyes: Your eyes produce more tears than usual.
• Dry, flaky skin: The skin might feel rough and have visible flakes.

How a mold allergy affects you can differ. Some people only experience mild symptoms, while others have more severe reactions. Mold allergy symptoms might show up all year round, or just at certain times. You might notice these symptoms more when the weather is damp or humid, or when you're spending time in places with lots of mold, such as basements, attics, or outdoors during high-moisture periods. Exposure to mold in these areas can trigger your allergy symptoms.

If you have a persistent stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, trouble breathing (like shortness of breath or wheezing), or any other uncomfortable symptoms, please see a doctor. These symptoms could be signs of a variety of illnesses, and a doctor can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. Don't ignore these symptoms if they continue for a while.

Mold allergies happen when your immune system overreacts. Your body's defense system is a bit too sensitive. When you breathe in tiny mold spores floating in the air, your body sees them as harmful intruders. To fight these "invaders," your immune system produces substances called antibodies, which trigger allergy symptoms.

Sometimes, your body reacts to mold spores right away. Other times, the reaction might not show up for a while.

Many different kinds of mold exist both inside and outside. However, only some types of mold cause allergic reactions. If you're allergic to one type of mold, it doesn't automatically mean you'll be allergic to others. Some common molds that can cause allergies include alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium, and penicillium. These molds are often found in various environments.

Mold allergies can be triggered or worsened by several things. Here are some common factors:

• Family history: If allergies or asthma run in your family, you might be more prone to developing a mold allergy. This is because a family history often indicates a predisposition to developing sensitivities.

• Certain jobs: Some jobs expose people to higher levels of mold. These include jobs like farming, working in dairies, logging, baking, working with wood (millwork, carpentry), greenhouses, winemaking, and furniture repair. The constant exposure to materials or environments where mold can grow increases the risk of developing or worsening a mold allergy.

• High humidity: If the air in your home is too humid, mold is more likely to grow. Indoor humidity levels above 50% create ideal conditions for mold to flourish. This moisture encourages mold growth, which can then trigger allergic reactions.

• Damp or leaky buildings: Mold thrives in damp environments. Leaky pipes, water damage from storms or floods, or even just constant moisture in a building can lead to mold problems. Nearly all buildings have some areas susceptible to moisture, making them potential breeding grounds for mold. Exposure to high levels of this mold can lead to allergic symptoms.

• Poor ventilation: Homes with poorly sealed windows and doors can trap moisture inside. This lack of proper ventilation creates a humid environment, perfect for mold growth. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are particularly vulnerable because they often have higher moisture levels. The lack of airflow allows moisture to build up, promoting mold growth and triggering allergic reactions.

Mold allergies can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to more serious health issues. Many mold allergies cause symptoms similar to hay fever, such as runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing. These are usually unpleasant but not life-threatening.

However, some mold allergies can lead to more significant problems. Here are some examples:

• Mold-induced asthma: If you're allergic to mold, breathing in mold spores can trigger an asthma attack. This means your airways narrow, making it hard to breathe. If you have both a mold allergy and asthma, it's crucial to have a plan in place for managing severe asthma attacks. This plan should include knowing your triggers, having quick-relief medication on hand, and knowing when to seek emergency medical attention.

• Allergic fungal sinusitis: This condition happens when your sinuses become inflamed due to an allergic reaction to mold. Inflammation in the sinuses can cause pain, pressure, and difficulty breathing through your nose.

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): Mold can trigger a reaction in the lungs, similar to ABPA. This usually occurs in people who already have asthma or cystic fibrosis. ABPA can lead to lung damage and worsening asthma symptoms.

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: This is a less common but serious condition. It happens when your lungs become inflamed in response to breathing in tiny particles, including mold spores. Exposure to moldy materials in the workplace, or even at home, can potentially trigger this reaction. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe breathing problems. This condition can also be triggered by other substances like dust or animal dander. It's important to note that while mold is a common trigger, other things can also cause this reaction.

Preventing Mold in Your Home: Simple Steps

Mold can grow in many parts of a house, especially if there's too much moisture. Here are some easy ways to keep mold away:

1. Fix Water Problems: Mold loves dampness. If you have leaks in pipes or water seeping into your basement from the ground, fix them right away. These are common sources of moisture that encourage mold growth.

2. Control Humidity: A musty or damp smell often signals high humidity. Use a dehumidifier in rooms that feel damp. Aim for a humidity level below 50% in your home. Regularly empty and clean the dehumidifier's water bucket and the coils to keep it working efficiently.

3. Use Air Conditioning and Filters: Air conditioners can help reduce humidity. If you can, install central air conditioning with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. HEPA filters trap mold spores from the air outside before they get inside your house. Regularly replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Have your forced-air heating ducts cleaned periodically, especially if they're dusty or dirty.

4. Good Ventilation: Mold thrives in damp bathrooms. Always use the bathroom exhaust fan during and after showering or bathing. If you don't have a fan, open a window or door to let the moisture escape.

5. Choose Materials Carefully: Avoid carpeting in bathrooms and basements because carpets can hold moisture and encourage mold growth.

6. Manage Your Yard: Water can build up around your house if the ground isn't properly sloped. Make sure water drains away from your foundation. Remove leaves and debris from around the foundation and clean your gutters regularly to prevent water buildup.

7. Keep Plants and Storage Dry: Keep containers for plants dry and clean. Mold can grow in damp plant containers, particularly those made of natural materials like straw, wicker, or hemp. Old books and newspapers can get moldy if they're left in damp areas like basements. Dispose of them or recycle them.

Your doctor will look for signs and symptoms, but also do a physical check to make sure there aren't other health problems. To figure out if you have a mold allergy, they might use these tests:

Skin Prick Test: This test uses small amounts of different things that might cause allergies, like molds common in your area. A tiny bit of the substance is put on your arm or back with tiny needles. If you're allergic, a raised, red bump (like a little hive) will appear at the spot where the substance was put. This shows your body's reaction to the allergen.

Blood Test: A blood test, sometimes called a radioallergosorbent test (RAST), measures how your immune system reacts to molds. It checks for special proteins in your blood called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies increase when your body senses a threat, like mold. A sample of your blood is sent to a lab, where they look for these specific antibodies to see if you're sensitive to certain types of mold. A higher level of these antibodies usually indicates an allergy.

Managing Mold Allergy Symptoms

Mold is a common allergen, and complete avoidance is often impossible. While there's no cure for mold allergies causing allergic rhinitis, several treatments can help ease symptoms.

Effective Medications:

• Nasal Corticosteroids: These are nasal sprays that reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory system, caused by mold allergens. They're often the first treatment recommended because they're very effective for many people. Examples include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and others. Common side effects include nosebleeds and dryness, but they are generally safe for long-term use.

• Antihistamines: These medications work by blocking histamine, a substance your body releases during an allergic reaction. This helps reduce itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are available. These usually cause little to no drowsiness or dry mouth. Some prescription nasal sprays like azelastine and olopatadine also work as antihistamines, but can sometimes cause a bitter taste or dryness in the nose.

• Montelukast (Singulair): This pill works by blocking chemicals called leukotrienes, which contribute to allergy symptoms like mucus buildup. However, there are increasing concerns about potential side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. The FDA has issued a warning about these risks. It's not as effective as nasal corticosteroids and is usually only used if nasal sprays aren't working or if a person has mild asthma.

Other Helpful Treatments:

• Nasal Irrigation (Nasal Lavage): This involves rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution. This can help clear irritants and ease nasal discomfort. You can use a special squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or neti pot. Use only distilled, sterile, boiled and cooled, or filtered water (with a filter pore size of 1 micron or smaller) for the solution. Thoroughly clean your irrigation device after each use to prevent bacterial growth.

• Oral Decongestants: Over-the-counter pills like Sudafed can help relieve congestion, but they can raise blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, avoid these. Other possible side effects include sleep problems, loss of appetite, a racing heart, anxiety, and restlessness.

• Decongestant Nasal Sprays: These sprays, like oxymetazoline (Afrin), can quickly reduce congestion. However, don't use them for more than a few days, as they can sometimes worsen congestion when stopped. Possible side effects include headaches, sleep problems, and nervousness.

• Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): For some people, allergy shots can be very helpful in managing mold allergies, but it is not applicable to all types of mold allergies.

Important Note: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new allergy medication, especially if you have other health conditions. This is crucial to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for you. They can help you determine the best course of action for managing your mold allergy symptoms.