How to Avoid Mold Allergies

It was years before my mother discovered that she had mold allergies. Not one, but several. She was never fond of visiting doctors and back then, she really couldn't afford to go to one. Times haven't changed too much since the economy's meltdown, but that doesn't mean you should just avoid an allergy problem either.

While not all molds are dangerous, some can be. Molds, which are also known as fungus, can be almost anywhere. There are literally thousands of molds that enter the air each and every day. Interestingly though, only a few of them are well known for causing an allergic reaction.

Usually it's the spores and not the fungi itself that causes the allergy. When spores germinate, they allow for new growth of fungi and even more spores. Once someone inhales those pesky spores they can wreak havoc on the respiratory system causing a negative reaction.

Molds are generally found anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. They can specifically be found in closets, basements, bathrooms, air conditioners, humidifiers, pillows and mattresses. Of course, this is only a small number of the areas where fungi may be hiding.

Symptoms that may be present when you find yourself under an allergy attack are sneezing, runny nose, cough, itchy or watery eyes, and irritated sinuses. Not everyone may experience the same symptoms or severity of them. Some may find that they are only slightly affected by molds while others may find that they have a very severe reaction and may even experience asthma, which can be triggered by the fungi.

If you suspect that you are allergic to fungi, you should set up an appointment with your doctor immediately. Your doctor may then want to determine your specific allergy with a simple skin or blood test. Once the allergy has been diagnosed; you can then begin taking the necessary steps to keep the problem at bay.

A few steps you may want to consider is to keep your home's windows closed during the allergy seasons. If you're planning to do any type of yard work, you may want to consider wearing a respiratory mask to keep spores away from your face.

If you find that the problem lies indoors, be sure to remove any moisture that may be lurking in your basement, bathroom, closet, air conditioner and bedding. Use a dehumidifier to keep the areas dry and remove any troublesome fungi with a specialty-cleaning product that will get down below the surface of the area.

And finally, if you find that your mold allergies are out of control, you may want to see your doctor about prescribing a medication that will reduce your symptoms or seek an over-the-counter medication. While a fungi allergy can be troublesome, it's certainly not the end of the world. You just have to minimize the problem, one fungi at a time!

Air Purifiers For Mold Allergy Relief

Mold - the microscopic fungi that invades your home to expose you and your family to severe health risks. Although mold comprises the "blue" of bleu cheese, it is neither tasty nor inviting when it's invading your home. Now more than ever, allergy and asthma sufferers (and even those who aren't allergic to mold) are looking for a solution to their mold troubles.

Are air purifiers the answer to mold problems?

Inside the home, molds like Alternaria, Aspergillus Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Stachybotrys grow frequently in places that are warm, damp, and dark. However, mold itself does not trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions. Instead, the microscopic mold spores (seeds) floating through the air cause coughing, wheezing, stuffy and runny noses in those who are allergic. These awful mold spores make indoor and outdoor air quality unbearable for some. As tiny mold spores float in the air and evade the protective mechanisms of your respiratory system, you'll find comfort in the fact that there are effective ways to reduce and eliminate mold in your home.

Most air purifiers combat the multiplying presence of mold using a very powerful weapon: the HEPA air filter. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters excel at trapping microscopic particles. True HEPA filters must meet strict standards of efficiency, capturing a minimum of 99.97% of pollutants at 0.3 microns.

As mold spores range between one and five microns in size, HEPA filters are certified and proven to remove virtually all airborne mold spores. Thus, air purifiers provide mold allergy relief. Ensure that your air purifier contains a HEPA filter by looking on the package. Each HEPA filter is marked accordingly and represents the strict guidelines for which HEPA certification requires.

HEPA filters eliminate mold spores by filtering the airborne spores from the air and trapping them within the HEPA filter. To effectively filter mold spores, place the air purifier where mold is frequently found: basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with upholstered furniture. Replace your HEPA filter frequently, as advised on the packaging, to ensure that your air purifier will continue to provide air free and clear of mold spores.

Austin Air Allergy Machine air purifiers include HEPA filters which consistently rank as #1 in the world. Also included in the Austin Air Allergy Machine air purifiers is a special patented HEGA (High Efficiency Gas Adsorber) filter which eliminates not only airborne contaminants like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, but also odors, gases, and smoke. This innovative combination provides fresher, cleaner air for you and your family.

For industrial strength protection against airborne contaminants, the AllerAir 6000 series air purifiers come with effective HEPA filters as well as two antimicrobial filters to eliminate mold, viruses, and bacteria. AllerAir air purifiers also come with an activated carbon filter which eliminates Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), chemicals, gases, and odors.

However, nothing can top the air cleaning abilities of the NQ Clarifier air purifiers. The NQ Clarifier air purifier is the only air purifier that provides five stages of unmatched filtration. Within the NQ Clarifier's five stages of air purification are: a Polyester Pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, a carbon filter, a carbon post-filter, and two ultraviolet lamps that efficiently kill airborne microorganisms. The NQ Clarifier air purifier offers hospital-grade filtration that will guard against chemicals, VOCs, odors, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and of course, mold spores.

Also, to ensure that your home remains mold-free, use hygrometers and humidity gauges to monitor and manage the humidity levels in your home. Mold loves humidity and thrives in areas that are damp and dark. After testing your home's humidity levels, use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity if necessary, and place HEPA air purifiers in problem areas.

Air purifiers offer the perfect solution to filter out airborne mold spores. But don't forget to vacuum! Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters will eliminate mold spores on your carpet and rugs. Vacuum regularly with your HEPA vacuum cleaner to ensure that your rugs and carpets remain clean of mold colonies.

And for the nasty black spots and smears of mold colonies on countertops and shower heads, use special cleaners like M-1 House Wash, M-1 Sure Cote, or MoldZyme.

Don't let mold take over your home. Breathe easier with a HEPA air purifier.

The Best Mold Allergy Treatment - General House Cleaning

If your nose becomes runny at random parts of the day, and you find that your family is becoming more and more susceptible to common respiratory illnesses like colds, coughs, and sinusitis, but your doctor cannot put a finger on the exact cause, you may have a mold allergy to deal with. Medications for allergies may help clear the symptoms, but if your home is infested with mold, you are not exactly getting rid of the same toxic particles that may cause more severe and fatal health concerns later on. Besides, it can be pretty taxing to keep returning to the doctor for a prescription.

So, there really are ways you can go about getting the perfect mold allergy treatment plan, which is cleaning up your entire home. Here are the things you can do to make sure you protect your family from diseases caused by molds. Here are some suggestions:

1. Get rid of everything old. Old means that it has probably been kept too long in a corner or the basement storage and forgotten about. You don't really need them, so de-clutter all areas in your home. Places where a lot of mold can grow are libraries, cabinets under the sink, storage areas, basement and the attic. These places get very little sunlight, and dampness may occur due to climate, so they're the perfect breeding ground for mold.

2. Trash old books. You may not believe this, but flip through some really old books, and you will see tiny brown to black spots. These are molds. They take advantage of the cellulose in paper, because it serves as nutrients for them.

3. Hold off on organic fruits and veggies. It's a pain, especially when you're committed to living healthy. But here's the truth about non-organic fruits and vegetables. They have been treated with pesticides and fungicides, so they are less susceptible to fungi like mold. Remember, you aren't really sure where the molds are coming from. They have roots too tiny to be seen by the naked eye. You can go back to organic products when you and your family have resolved the mold allergy issues.

4. Inspect your hardwood floors for dark spots. If they weren't there before, they are probably mold. Molds thrive on materials that have carbohydrate material, like wood. If you have mold issues on your hardwood floor, there's a major possibility that there are also molds growing within the walls that surround these floors. Hire a contractor to open up these walls, clean and bleach them, and patch them back up. This may cost a little, but is nothing compared to your health if you ignore the mold infestation within the walls.

5. Clean your kitchen and bathroom tiles with bleach. Scrub, scrub, scrub away! Be sure to get into those little spaces between tiles. The black soil-like matter you see there are actually molds.

6. Get rid of drapes in your rooms. When it rains, moisture can accumulate on the windows, and can be absorbed by these drapes. Because they may not be exposed to direct sunlight, drapes or curtains can be the perfect thriving place of molds too. Replace these drapes with shades, or Venetian blinds.

7. Replace damp rugs in the bathroom and in other parts of the house regularly.

8. Hang towels to dry in the sunlight after using them after shower.

9. Reposition steaming appliances where the windows are. For instance, crock pots are better used where moisture can escape instead of accumulating on walls and ceilings.

10. Finally, inspect your sofas, mattresses and furniture for mold. Have them bleached and upholstered, or if the molds are too much, consider replacing them.

How To Deal With Mold Allergy

A popular misconception these days is that mold allergy is a common type of allergy suffered by so many people all over the world. This is actually not true at all. In fact, only a rare few suffer from this particular type of allergy. Recent studies have shown that there are just a few dozen people who are afflicted with the condition. Still, it pays to be aware of this type of allergy as much as possible.

In its simplest form, the condition of mold allergies occurs when the human body's immune system produces a negative reaction due to the exposure to both fungi and mold. Both of these substances can be found indoors and outdoors. And mold, not like pollen, can grow in just about any weather condition! It chooses no particular season for its growth as well, so more and more people can indeed become sensitive to its presence. Interestingly, people who suffer from asthma are more likely to suffer from mold allergies.

During the onset of mold allergies, you would actually suffer from symptoms that are quite similar to that of respiratory allergies. The common symptoms include the typical runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin rashes, post nasal drip, itchiness, cough, and even sinusitis. There may also be times when you would experience symptoms that are related to asthma. These include coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems. Each of these symptoms can easily become more serious if an asthma attack sets in. Thus, if you are experiencing symptoms related to asthma with your mold allergy, you should be doubly wary of your own condition.

Because there are so many negative connotations related to mold allergy, it actually makes sense for any patient to arm his or her own self with treatments that have been proven effective. But you have to remember that the treatment for each condition can differ from one to the other. Thus, it is very important to have yourself checked by your physician as soon as possible so that the appropriate method of treatment can be determined.

To deal with mold allergy cases, physicians actually need to do a series of skin allergy tests, as well as other procedures to assess just how severe the condition is. Once the condition has been stabilized and deemed controllable, physicians would then prescribe the appropriate medication. For severe cases, there might be a need to administer chemotherapy as well. But the best cure is always prevention so just be wary of the presence of mold and avoid this as much as possible.

Natural Remedies For Your Mold Allergy

Whether you have a mold allergy, gluten allergy, or any other type of allergy the time has come to learn about natural allergy treatments that will boots your immune system and adrenal system.

Most people treat the symptoms with a quick fix 12 hour relief and forget all about the reason they are suffering from allergies. Alternative treatments don't treat symptoms they treat the underling causes which means over time you will see your allergy diminish and you've got to admit getting rid of that mold allergy would be really nice.

When one focuses on the nutritional supplements that will strengthen the body it can be a very personal prescription because each of us have different issues going on in our body that are making our immune system week and that applies whether you are dealing with your mold allergy or an allergy to your pet.

The object is to make your body healthy so it the signals are no longer mixed and it is able to help your body fend off those allergens. Herbs, nutrients, and natural decongestants and antihistamines can all work together. Additionally other supplements and herbs can help reduce the amount of inflammation which is part of allergies.

Your treatment for your mold allergy needs to be personal. Of course one of the things you will want to do is ensure that any mold in your own home has been killed. Your allergy program should be designed to strengthen your immune system and one of the simplest and cheapest ways to do that is with Vitamin C. It also neutralizes histamines giving you some relief from your allergy.

Let's have a look at what relief you can get for your mold allergy and other allergies as well.

1. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and will improve adrenal function. Take up to 5000mg daily. Increase in 500mg increments and stop when the bowel is no longer tolerating it.

2. Vitamin B5 helps deal with stress and improve adrenal function. Take up to 1000 mg a day and split into two doses.

3. COQ10 is powerful boosting the immune system, reducing histamines, and improving heart health. Take 100mg two times a day.

4. Vitamin A is an anti inflammatory and immune booster. Take 10,000 IU twice daily.

5. Vitamin B12 reduces inflammation. Take 1000mcg in the morning.

6. Pantethine produced Coenzyme A and reduces stress. Take 300mg three times a day with your meals.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids will reduce allergic reactions. Take 1000mg daily.

8. Vitamin E & Selenium are immune boosters. Take 400IU of Vitamin E per day & 50mcg of selenium.

9. Magnesium relieves bronchospasms. Take 400mg daily.

10. A full spectrum digestive enzyme will enhance digestion of nutrients. Take with each meal.

There are also many herbs that can help. Remember although natural herbs are still medicines so you need to check with your doctor before taking any herb if you have a medical condition. There are herbs that will boost your immune system and there are herbs that are natural antihistamines or decongestants to help deal with your mold allergy.

1. Burdock will help clear congestion and is also good for colds.

2. Marshmallow root will help your body move mucus out.

3. Goldenseal Root will soothe inflamed membranes and it is also antibacterial.

4. Capsicum stimulates circulation and helps fight infection in the respiratory system.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Michaelson

Mold Allergy Symptoms - Problems and Solutions!

Small quantities of mold e.g., that on a shower curtain, aren't significant and won't result in mold allergy symptoms.

If you're exposed to big amounts of mold, you need to take steps to get rid of the source of mold. Some sorts of mold produce mycotoxins and the leading indicators of this is much more significant than a mildew allergy. Black mildew, as an example, results from heavy water damage, for example in a flood. Moisture and heat are the 2 conditions in which mildew spores grow at a fast pace.

Although you will take additional care with cleaning, if some of the water seeps into cracks and crevices, mold can grow in awfully minuscule places and this is going to be the root of your mold allergies. Simply because you cannot see the mildew or mold does not imply that it is not there. Infrequently, you can smell it before you see it and it is them you notice that what you presumed was sinus issues may be mold allergy symptoms instead. To keep your mildew allergy mild, you can ensure that you control the level of humidity in your house.

Under ideal circumstances, you must remove carpeting from the bedrooms of your house, or at least from the room of any person that has a mold or mold allergy. When a person in your house has a mildew allergy, it means you have got to ensure you dry everything before you put it away. An exhaust fan in the kitchen will help moisture from cooking to build and you must empty the rubbish container before it starts to sniff. All these jobs are standard things you can do on an everyday basis to help forestall another outbreak of mold allergy symptoms.

Tag : mold allergy,mold allergy symptoms,mold allergy remedies,mold allergy treatment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Brink