Mold allergy is not nearly as common as you might have thought considering there are thousands of different molds. But out of those thousands about a dozen can cause an allergic reaction.
Molds and fungi grow in all kinds of environments and they really do nicely inside. Outside molds don't really have a season that causes trouble. If you have asthma that is a result of a mold allergy the best thing you can do it so avoid the mold spores. Of course completely avoiding them is pretty difficult, especially air borne molds. Thankfully there are asthma medications that work well.
Wondering what the symptoms are for a mold allergy? They are the same as any other respiratory allergy. Sneezing, cough, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, watery eyes, itchy eyes, itchy nose and throat, sinusitis, and skin rash and for some it causes asthma which has shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
A mold allergy is caused when you come into contact with the mold spores and your body thinks they are a foreign invader so it develops an antibody to fight it. Even after the exposure is over you body will continue to produce antibodies so they will remember this invader the next time contact occurs. The reaction causes your body to release histamines which are what cause your eyes to water and your nose to run.
Toxic black mold is the mold allergy that made the news awhile back because it caused serious lung disease and caused hundreds of homes to be condemned as unfit to live in. Black mold is not a medical term but rather the slang it was dubbed at the time. This greenish black mold develops after serious water damage has occurred and although it has been directly linked to severe mold allergy the scientists still haven't been able to determine why.
The treatment for a mold allergy is the same as with any other allergy. There are several different types of medications both over the counter, prescription, and natural supplements that can help.
For an asthma type mold allergy inhaled corticosteroids can be used if you have symptoms more than twice a week your doctor will likely put you on a corticosteroid medication.
For some the mold allergy results in an instant asthma attach when exposed. Bronchodilators are quick to act bring relief from asthma attack symptoms almost instantly.
Antihistamines are used when the immune system over reacts to the mold allergy producing histamines. Histamines cause watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and other symptoms. Claritin and Allegra are two common antihistamines that are used.
When a mold allergy causes mucus and sinus problems then using a decongestant can bring relief from those symptoms. Common decongestions include Claritin-D and Allegra-D with the D standing for decongestion. Often an antihistamine and decongestion are combined to get the best relief.
There are also nasal sprays, immunotherapy which is a series of shots, and natural supplements that can help boost the immune system and bring your body into balance. Some can even relieve your histamine symptoms.
If you have a mold allergy it is important to deal with the mold itself whenever possible and then choose the correct treatment for your situation. It always pays to try natural options first before restoring to chemical solutions.
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