Mold Allergies

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Overview

Please always keep in mind that Mynd Myself is NOT a diagnostic site but provides you with trustworthy information that can help you become your own best health advocate as you navigate your health journey with a Qualified Healthcare Practitioner.

Mold Allergies are generally not life threatening, however, they can impact your ability to lead a productive and comfortable daily life.

The primary allergen in mold is the mold spore. Because these spores can eventually make their way into the air, they can also make their way into your nose. This triggers an allergic reaction. This mold has been linked to allergies and asthma.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moisture, either indoors or outdoors. While the mold spores constantly floating in the air can trigger reactions, the problem worsens when these spores attach to a wet surface and mold begins to grow.

You may have mold growing inside your house and not know it. This could happen for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Unknown leak from the roof or plumbing.
  • Moisture buildup in a basement.
  • Damp areas under a carpet that haven’t been noticed.

Because mold grows year-round, Mold Allergies generally aren’t seasonal like other allergies. Although those who are allergic to mold typically do have more symptoms from midsummer to early fall, you can experience symptoms any time you’re exposed to mold spores, especially if you live in an area that tends to get a lot of rain.

Strategies to Deal with Mold

While mold exposure is generally not deadly, increased exposure can make symptoms worse. Mold allergies are progressive, and, over time, the attacks become more severe. Here are some proactive tips for dealing with mold:

  • To prevent moisture from building up by repairing any leaks. If you notice a water buildup in any part of your home, stop the leak immediately.
  • You can prevent mold buildup by regularly washing the garbage cans in your kitchen.
  • You can use a dehumidifier throughout your home to keep indoor humidity below fifty percent.
  • Sleep with your windows closed to keep out outdoor mold. The concentration of airborne mold spores tends to be greatest at night, especially when the weather is cool and damp.
  • When working in situations where outdoor mold may be present (e.g. when raking leaves, moving lawns, or working around compost or dusty areas), wearing a face mask can drastically reduce your exposure to the allergen/mold spores.
  • Avoid going outdoors at certain times, such as immediately after a rainstorm, in foggy or damp weather, or when the published mold count is high.

(HealthLine and Mayo Clinic)

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Common Symptoms of Mold Allergies ​

If you’re allergic to mold, you’ll likely experience histamine-mediated reactions similar to those from other types of airborne allergies. Those symptoms include:

  • Sneezing.
  • Coughing.
  • Congestion.
  • Watery and itchy eyes.
  • Postnasal drip.

You may initially mistake your Mold Allergies for a cold or sinus infection, since the symptoms can mirror each other.

If your allergies are compounded by asthma, you may notice your asthma symptoms getting worse when you’re exposed to mold. Symptoms of asthma include:

  • Coughing.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Chest tightness.

You also may experience wheezing and other signs of an asthma attack.

There is a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis that has been attributed to prolonged mold inhalation. The condition is serious, but it’s also rare. (HealthLine)

Explore the Research

We believe you should have access to high-quality research to help you make informed health decisions. Below are four trusted databases you can use as tools to expand your healthcare knowledge.