Mold Allergy Symptoms

Mold, or mould, is a microorganism which is also known as ‘fungi’. And an allergic reaction is the hyper sensitive reaction that breaks out in our body when an unwanted foreign particle enters our system. From obvious sources like garbage bags to unthinkable ones like carpets, cooling units in the refrigerator, many places in your abode house mold. The culprits that trigger an allergic reaction are microscopic and air borne which makes it hard to block them from our system. With symptoms like asthma, blocked nose, red eyes, sinusitis and skin rashes, the person suffering from a mold allergy faces a tough time. All these symptoms are similar to the effects seen when the patient has a common cold or flu leading to incorrect diagnosis. Thus, it is essential to keep a careful eye out and observe whether the conditions worsen at a particular place only or if the cold is not getting any better even after 2 weeks or so. If this is the case, consult a doctor and determine the source of your allergy. Read the following section if you have been diagnosed with mold allergy to learn more.

Mold Allergies Symptoms

The symptoms that surface when you are attacked by a mold allergy are listed in the following lines. Glance through the symptoms to spot the ones that have affected you.

Sneezing.
Severe cough and sore throat.
Runny nose.
Nose block.
Scratchy, watery and red eyes.
Skin rashes and inflammation.
Sinus headaches.
Decreased lung capacity and trouble breathing.

A skin test must be undertaken if the above symptoms are noticed. A skin allergy test is where a doctor injects common allergens into your body and then records the reactions on the skin. In this way, he is able to determine the extent to which the patient is allergic to a particular allergen.

If you are confirmed to be allergic to molds then avoid places that are damp and moist and prone to be susceptible to fungal spores etc. It is always better to exercise prudence than to invest money in the cure. The following are the list of treatments that are to be undergone if you are diagnosed with a mold allergy.

The need of the hour is allergen evasion and minimisation of exposure. Maintaining a dry atmosphere in the house and place of work, as much as possible, is a jolly good idea as of now.
Antihistamines are useful for allergic rhinitis and some allergy mediated skin conditions. But these are not helpful in asthma except for mild seasonal one where allergy may be a precipitant.
Nasal sprays can be used. These include topical steroids and anti-inflammatory used for allergic rhinitis.
Eye drops such as ketorolac, levocabastine, ketotifen and olapatadine are can be used for allergic conjunctivitis.
Asthma medications such as inhaled beta agonists and inhaled corticosteroids are used to treat asthma which may have allergy as a contributing factor.
Oral steroids are also used in short courses for moderate allergic reactions especially with asthma symptoms or skin conditions.

Allergy Care

Taking care of yourself should be your primary concern at this junction.
Start by getting rid of mold in your surroundings. Make an effort to lessen dampness or clamminess.
Plumbing in the basement causing leakage or pipes causing dampness on walls should be repaired immediately.
Ensure that the bathrooms are airy, dry and hygienic at all times.
AC ducts should also be cleaned recurrently.
Avoid fog, mist and haze for your own good.
Wear a dust mask when you go outdoors.
Night-time is the worst time to attract airborne mold spores so avoid sleeping with windows open.

If care is taken, mold spores allergy symptoms can be handled well and there is no reason to freak out.

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