Mold & Mildew - A Guide For Allergy Sufferers

Mold: The Pervasive Fungus Among Us
As a relative of mushrooms and yeast, mold serves nature well by decomposing dead organic matter like leaves and wood. However, when mold grows in your home, its powerful enzymes eat through wallpaper, wood, and other materials. Scientists have identified over 200,000 species of mold, and they continue to find more.

Mold reproduces with mold spores, which are like microscopic seeds. At about three microns in size, mold spores are invisible to the human eye. For comparison, the period at the end of this sentence is roughly 300 microns in size - that's 100 times larger than the typical mold spore! Not only are they invisible, but mold spores are virtually indestructible, and many species release chemical toxins (mycotoxins) into the air as a self-defense mechanism. The more you learn about mold spores, the more they sound like extraterrestrial invaders in a sci-fi flick.

Mold & Your Health
In 2006, a University of Cincinnati study found that infants who were exposed to airborne mold spores were more likely to develop allergies to mold, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods as they grew older. Tina Reponen, author of the study, says, "It turns out that the health effects of airborne fungal spores are more complicated than we thought."

Over 80% of allergy sufferers are sensitive to mold spores, and a 1999 Mayo Clinic study discovered allergenic fungal sinusitis among 93% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Like other allergens, mold can cause sneezing, chronic cough, runny nose, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, sinus headaches, and respiratory problems.

But you don't have to be an allergic individual for mold to adversely affect your health. mold can also act as an infectious agent, like bacteria and viruses. Additionally, some species of mold produce chemical toxins called mycotoxins. Stachybotys (pronounced "stack-ee-BOT-ris"), also known as black mold, is the most common and dangerous species of toxic mold. Symptoms of toxic mold exposure may include memory loss and other cognitive disorders, nose bleeds, dizziness, nausea, anemia, difficulty breathing, and death.

How to Prevent Mold Growth
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that half of all U.S. buildings contain areas damp enough for mold growth.

Your Home + Moisture = Mold Growth

It's as simple as 1 + 1. If there's not enough moisture in the air, then mold cannot grow. Therefore, if you suffer from mold allergies (or if you don't want mold to decompose your home), you must monitor your relative humidity with a humidity gauge and use a dehumidifier to to remove excess moisture. Keep your relative humidity below 50 percent to prevent mold growth.

Mold flourishes on your bedding, feeding off moisture from your body. Sleep on allergy relief bedding that prevents the growth of mold and other microorganisms to avoid breathing in allergens while you're sleeping.

Specialized cleaning products can both clean and also prevent mold growth on surfaces like tile, shower doors, furniture, mattresses, wallpaper, ceilings, walls, and many more. Finally, if your home experiences water damage from a leak or flood, be sure to dry out all damp materials within 24 - 48 hours.

Modern houses and apartments are sealed up tightly for energy efficiency; however, those tight seals trap allergens and pollutants inside your home. Air out your home as much as possible and use air purifiers to remove mold spores and other allergens from the air. Hidden mold often grows inside HVAC systems. An allergy relief vent filter will trap mold spores before they have a chance to enter your lungs.

For allergy sufferers, frequent cleaning can transform misery into relief. While dead human skin makes up the majority of household dust, mold spores are present in dust as well. Vacuum thoroughly and regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove mold spores from your carpet.

According to the EPA, if you find a mold colony that's 10 square feet or smaller, you should be able to handle the cleanup job yourself. Scrub the mold off hard surfaces with water and a specialized cleaning product. But be careful! Cleaning mold releases spores into the air, so if you are sensitive to mold, you'll need to wear goggles, gloves, and an allergy mask for protection. Make sure the area is well ventilated, and wash all supplies and clothing after cleaning.

If you suspect that the mold may be releasing toxic chemicals or if the mold colony is larger than 10 square feet, you should consider hiring a mold remediation professional.

Mold Allergy - Symptoms and Treatment for Mold Allergies

Just like any other allergies, an allergic reaction to mold spores can range from mild irritation to extremely damaging and even harmful or fatal to your health. There are a medical treatments that are available and will overcome the different symptoms of the mold allergy. But the best thing to do, instead of dealing with the actual allergy itself, is to find the cause of the mold. Once you find the presence of the mold you can eliminate it which will also eliminate any mold allergy that could come from it.

Just like pollen, mold spores are the cause allergic reactions in people who are susceptible, or have allergies. If a person with an allergy to mold is exposed to too much of this fungus, they will have an adverse reaction. Somebody that is known to have allergies from mold will suffer as the mold gradually builds up and is released into the immediate vicinity.

Depending on whether you are indoors or outdoors will also depend on the type of mold that you see. And the symptoms of mold allergies are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies. The most common types of symptoms from a mold allergy are wheezing, itching around the eyes, a runny nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and even rash or hives. Some people find that they are very restless for long periods of times, feel weak for no apparent reason, and are affected by sinus problems. The most serious type of symptoms that are related to an allergy from mold are asthma symptoms, which can lead to long-term breathing problems.

The most common places that mold growth is found is usually in the bathroom, the basement, in closets or storerooms, and around garbage cans. You can usually find them around washing and drying machines as well. Any area that is often damp, wet or has water is basically a place where mold can grow. The easiest way to treat somebody with an allergy from mold is finding the source of the mold itself. Areas that can be cleaned regularly are places like bathroom tiles and the shower. You can use exhaust fans, or dehumidifiers in areas that are often moist. This will keep the humidity to a point that is low enough that mold will not be able to grow.

These are just a few steps that you can take to reduce the possibility of a mold allergy and prevent mold growth from happening in the first place.

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Potential Mold Allergies and How to Prevent Them

Like other types of allergies, having an allergic reaction to mold can range from a mere irritation to extremely damaging cases. However, there are actually medical treatments that can overcome certain immediate symptoms of allergy.

Mold is present everywhere. It can break down organisms as a part of their life cycle. Studies show that it is the essential part of how plants and animals actually clean up after itself. As long as there are dark, moist places, there will always be mold growth.

Similar to dust and pollen, mold spores can affect people who are susceptible to it. People who have mold allergies will react to it once they get highly exposed to the fungus. It doesn't actually matter if the climate is cool or warm; people with mold allergies are bound to suffer from the gradual build up mold spores released in the air in their area.

There are different types of molds, depending on their location - whether outdoors or indoors. It doesn't matter what type of mold there is - the environment control measures that affect their growth remain the same - they thrive in dark, damp areas.

Since mold allergies are similar to other types of allergies, the symptoms are also the somewhat the same. This includes wheezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching around the eyes, hives or rash and difficulty in breathing. This type of allergy is also related to sinus problems, where, people who have this tend to become irritable and restless for extended periods.

For severe cases, mold allergies can trigger asthma, long-term breathing problems and other respiratory issues.

Since it is a known fact that prevention is always better than cure, learning preventive measures for mold allergies is most ideal. To prevent mold allergies, you need to address the root of the problem - the mold spores. Some preventive measures include preventing water leaks, controlling humidity, having lots of ventilation, removing dust and replacing shower curtains with mold growth. Other preventive measures include getting an air purification system, changing the aircon filter often and getting an air dehumidifier.

Mold allergies are not contagious but they can be a burden. People who have this type of allergy should not take it for granted, it is best to find ways to prevent exposure to the root of the problem rather than finding ways to treat it when you're already suffering from it.

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Dealing With Mold Allergies

Mold allergies are a common problem. Just as with any other type of allergy, mold allergies can cause symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. It can even result in serious health conditions developing. Dealing with mold allergies is not always the easiest thing to do but with a few tips, you can find relief of your mold allergies and get yourself feeling back to normal again.

The first step is learning about the causes of mold allergies. Why is it that you suffer from these allergies? Obviously, the cause of mold allergies is mold spores making their way into your immune system, but how do they get there?

Although it may gross you out to think about it, most homes have at least a bit of mold somewhere in them. If the mold growth has not gotten out of control you may not even know it is there. Mold growth in the home is not always a serious issue, unless people in the home are getting sick.

Even if there are only a few mold spores near your home or even your workplace, if you have mold allergies this can result in you having an allergic response. Your body is trying to fight off these mold spores so the allergy symptoms you are experiencing are actually allergy-causing antibodies to fight off the spores.

One can experience a few different symptoms as a result of mold allergies. Runny nose, sneezing, coughing and wheezing are some of the most common symptoms. This is nothing to worry about because it is showing you that your body is working to fight off the bacteria and keep you healthy. That is not to say these symptoms are not a huge pain though, as they can be.

As soon as you notice any mold allergy symptoms it is time to take action. There is no point in suffering longer than you have to. Fortunately, there are some very effective treatments available for mold allergies that can help.

The best way to get started finding a treatment is to talk to your doctor. Your family physician will be able to talk with you and assess your condition. They can help you determine which treatment stands to offer you the best results.

Usually doctors recommend nasal corticosteroids as an initial treatment. Also known as nasal sprays, they are very easy to use and work pretty effectively for most people. It will typically take a few days before you start noticing any results. Because the medication in these products is quite mild, you can continue using them on a more long-term basis than other treatments, which is an added benefit.

There are also decongestants available that work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. As a result, they can help to ease a runny nose and other sinus problems you are experiencing as a result of your mold allergies.

Alternatively, you may want to try immunotherapy which is simply a treatment involving a serious of different allergy shots. If you do not mind getting needles this is an ideal treatment option.

You can always combine two or more treatments to get the most mold allergy relief. Make sure you talk to your doctor about this first to ensure you are not putting yourself at any risk. You also want to ensure medications you are taking or combining together are not addictive and if they are, that you only stay on them for the recommended amount of time.

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The Facts About Mold And Asthma

Fuzzy and nasty - that would be fungus, more commonly known as mold. It reproduces itself by releasing microscopic spores into the air, an occurrence that can cause significant health problems to people with mold sensitivities, respiratory conditions, or asthma. In order to ensure that your home is safe from mold and your body remains in good health, be knowledgeable about the facts regarding mold and asthma.

Mold is everywhere

You faithfully run the bathroom fan during and after every shower, and you clean the bathroom weekly. Nevertheless, mold exists regardless of your efforts. Both the harmless and toxic variety can be found virtually in any environment where moisture prevails - from the aftermath of running a bath or boiling water.

Because mold spores are microscopic, they can work their way into your comfortable home through air conditioning units, windows, doors, and heating and ventilation systems. mold spores thrive in damp basements, so they often set up shop there.

mold can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions
Asthma is a common condition whereby the airways of the lungs tighten, making it difficult to breathe. While asthma is hard enough to live with, mold in your home could be aggravating the problem. In fact, mold is a well-known trigger for asthma. A study in the British Medical Journal found a significant connection between a person's sensitivity to mold and the severity of their asthma. Another study by the Institute of Medicine at the National Academies showed that indoor substances such as mold not only trigger asthma symptoms , but actually intensify them.

If you or a member of your household experiences a boost in the severity of wheezing and coughing, an amplified tightness during an asthma attack, or an increase in the frequency of attacks, it is recommended that you consider being tested by a physician in order to determine if mold allergy asthma is the culprit.

Mold allergy asthma symptoms

When it comes to mold and asthma, a diagnosis can be tricky. The challenge exists because mold allergy symptoms often mimic symptoms of other forms of illnesses, thereby causing occasional misdiagnosis. For example, respiratory problems including congestion, a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing are also associated with the common cold. In addition to these symptoms, people living with mold allergies may suffer from low grade fever, watery or red eyes, and/or a scratchy throat.

While mold allergy asthmatic symptoms have a lot in common with other run-of-the-mill allergies, some particular clues can help determine whether mold is the cause. For instance, allergy-triggering pollens are at their highest level during the day. In contrast, mold spores are released at night, often hours after you have hit the sack.

Consequently, if you or family members are awakened during the night by respiratory problems such as congestion, a runny nose, coughing, or wheezing, mold spores may be responsible for the discomfort.

To confirm with 100% certainty that mold is the cause of your allergy, contact a medical professional to undergo a mold allergy test. Remember, asthma symptoms are serious and require prompt medical care.

Mold allergies can be prevented

Without question, the best way to alleviate mold allergy asthma is to initiate a good prevention plan. If you suspect the presence of fungus in your home, contact a professional mold testing service that can not only confirm and locate the mold, but should also be able to identify the species in order to determine its potential harmful effects.

In addition to professional mold testing, simple steps can be taken to make your home less hospitable to fungus spores.

Fix leaks, cracks, and areas of seepage.
Keep the shower curtain and bathroom tiles dry.
Do not allow water to build up anywhere in the house.
Always use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
Monitor houseplants for mold growth in the soil.
Invest in a dehumidifier if your house indicates a high level of humidity.

If you are moving into a new home or apartment, it is recommended that qualified professionals be hired to test for the presence of potentially dangerous molds in your new living quarters. You owe it to yourself and your family to ensure that your home is a safe and healthy environment, free from mold and asthma attacks.

Mold Allergy And What To Do

25 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds, most of them don't even realize they have a mold allergy; that when they are sneezing and sniffling the cause is molds.

Mold spore allergy is common as mold can be found almost everywhere, and all molds reproduce by spores, and send the spore airborne, which causes allergic reactions in many individuals.

Airborne mold spores can cause you to be ill and eventually destroy your health. Many people are unaware that they are breathing mold spores until they are very sick.

As stated, molds produce airborne toxins - these can cause serious breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and bleeding in the lungs. Yes, it can be that bad.

So it is important to find out where you might have mold in your home and at work by doing a mold test. Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and something to feed on. Warmth and high humidity stimulate mold growth, so mold allergy tends to be most prevalent during the hot, humid summer months.

One of the easiest ways to find out if you have mold in your home is to order a mold test kit online. Look around a little for tests that will test for many molds, or ones that will test for black mold specifically.

A mold test kit is also a great way to test for mold at work. If you find a high count, then go to your supervisor or boss with the information and ask them to do something about it as you have a mold allergy, and others are probably being affected as well.

Get to the bottom of your mold allergy. Now you want to look around for mold in your home. Start with a visual inspection for both mold and moisture around windows, sinks, and water lines.

If you kit shows that you have mold in your home, you may need to get to the bottom of your mold allergy by having a mold inspector come to your home. An inspector will give you a much more thorough inspection that you would not be able to do for yourself.

The inspector will look at such things as:

Humidity of the indoor air, using a properly calibrated meter

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems

Moisture barriers for proper installation and condensation

All water-damaged areas, and locate the point of water intrusion

Mold allergy can make you seriously ill, so take steps soon to locate mold in your home and clear it.

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Mold Allergy - How Mold Can Hurt You And Your Family

There are millions of people around the world who suffer from an allergy in some form. As with all allergies a mold allergy is triggered by the immune system responding and overreacting to an allergy trigger, in this case mold spores.

A mold allergy will manifest in similar types of symptoms seen with a number of other allergies of the upper respiratory system i.e. runny of stuffed up nose, cough, itchy eyes, nose and throat, sneezing and watering eyes - all of which spell misery for the sufferer! However not everyone will suffer to the same degree and it is possible that specific environments where there are excessive concentrations of mold spores or even a certain time of year may influence the severity of mold allergy symptoms .

There is also an association between mold allergies and asthma. Indeed, asthma attacks can be set of if the sufferer is exposed to mold spores in the atmosphere. A few particular strains of mold spores which are capable of causing severe asthma attacks in certain cases. Some of the usual symptoms associated with asthma are wheezing, being short of breath, feeling tight in the chest and a cough.

The body will try to fight off a mold allergy by manufacturing antibodies, so that as soon as the body detects mold spores being inhaled the immune system will kick in and start to release these chemicals such as histamine into the body. This is responsible the unpleasant symptoms of itchy nose, throat, watery eyes and so on.

Fortunately for us having an allergy to one species of mold does not mean that we will trigger an allergy to all types of mold spores. This is probably just as well, due to the fact mold is found pretty much everywhere but there are only relatively few which will cause a mold allergy, the most common being cladosporium, aspergillus, alternari and penicillium.

Allergies are undoubtedly the most common illness linked to the presence of mold spores, however, mold might in some instances cause some pretty unpleasant and potentially serious conditions without any allergic reaction taking place.

Infection: This might take the form of a skin infection or flu-like illness in some instances even pneumonia.

Irritation: The irritation begins when VOCs (volatile organic compounds) irritate the mucus membranes in the body. The symptoms are very much the same a mold allergy. The main difference is that with an allergy the symptoms often tend to worsen each time contact is made with a certain strain of mold spore. Where as, with an irritation the condition does not get worse.

Toxic Reaction: Frequently caused by eating or drinking or inhaling something referred to as mycotoxins. The symptoms of this can include flu-like illness, breathing problems, skin irritation and in addition headaches, dizziness, problems with concentration and fatigue.

Mold allergies are more likely to manifest themselves or existing conditions might get worse depending on various factors, for example:

The type of work you carry out, certain occupations give greater exposure to mold spores. Take working with wood for example it may be logging or repairing furniture, working with grain or flour is another should you be milling or baking.

Conditions at home can have an effect. Should your home have a high humidity level, mold can germinate in all sorts of places like the basement, in the carpet, in tile grout basically anywhere there is a sufficiently damp surface. Having leaking pipes or water entering the property in some way will also create the ideal growing conditions for mold. Another common problem in dwellings which will encourage mold growth is poor ventilation especially in areas where huge amounts of moisture is generated such as the bathroom and kitchen.

Last but not least and possibly the most likely contributory factor in a person starting with a mold allergy is family history. If there are a few family members who suffer from asthma or some form of allergy the chances are that an individual may also becoming a victim.

The simplest way to avoid or reduce the symptoms of a mold allergy is to eradicate the source. However this is more or less impossible because mold is found in so many places both indoors and out. There are medications which will reduce symptoms for example nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines and decongestants. For persistent problems especially for asthma sufferers it is probably best to consult a doctor who can prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

At home small steps like wearing a face mask when carrying out tasks particularly in the garden might help Ensuring windows are closed during the night hours when the number of mold spores tend to peak and especially if the weather is cool and damp.

Prevention is unquestionably the best solution for mold allergies, so here are a few things you may want to consider:

* Buy a dehumidifier - some models come with HEPA filters
* Invest in an air conditioner with a HEPA filter
* Adequately ventilate rooms especially bathrooms and kitchens - get a ventilation fan and range hood
* Repair leaking pipes and any other problems which allow water to seep into the building

These are just some suggestions but ones which really should make a difference to anyone suffering a mold allergy.

Attack Back - Mold Allergies

Mold allergies can be a constant source of discomfort. Unlike seasonal allergies that get seasonal time off; or food and pet allergies, which can be physically avoided, mold allergies bother sufferers 24/7. This is because mold is around us all the time, every day, indoors and out, rain or shine.

People with mold allergies tend to have their most severe symptoms in the summertime. But mold spores, the allergen in question, are released into the air in warm or cold weather; in humid or dry conditions. In addition, mold can settle and grow almost anywhere, making nowhere safe for the mold allergy sufferer.

On the bright side - there are thousands of types of molds and only a small few will cause allergies. These generally are the types that live in moisture, such as outdoor mold on damp leaves and grass cuttings or in rotting vegetation and trees. Indoor moisture molds of allergenic nature can grow in the laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, basement, or attic; anywhere moisture gathers.

Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of all other allergies - skin irritations, chronic sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. A doctor can give you a simple skin test to determine if you are allergic to mold. Once diagnosed, a plan for treating the current symptoms and preventing further occurrences can be developed.

Symptoms can be treated by over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. For a severe reaction, see your doctor. He can get you some prescription strength medications that will do the trick.

The next thing you need to do is remove or minimize all possible sources of the mold allergens from your home. Here are some recommended actions:

1. Assure the house is properly ventilated and have working exhaust fans in each bathroom.

2. Use central air conditioning, if possible. Install a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the central air conditioning unit. This prevents mold spores from being circulated throughout the home.

3. If you have carpeting in any room that could become damp, like the kitchen, bathroom or basement, remove it. Carpeting plays host to mold and you're better off without it if it could easily get wet.

4. Because mold can accumulate very quickly, bathrooms and kitchens need to be scrubbed frequently.

5. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home. If you don't have a dehumidifier, raising the temperature also reduces humidity.

6. Any water draining from the roof should be channeled away from the building's foundation to eliminate the mold growth process closest to you.

7. Any leaks in the home should be repaired as soon as possible to stop any mold growth within the structure that will be harder to detect and get rid of later. This could happen anywhere, but is especially prevalent in roofs, foundations and areas of wall near windows or doors.

8. Steps should be taken to help assure that any place in the yard that becomes damp, especially in close proximity to the house and open windows, should be able to dry. Remove excess foliage, or cut trees, to allow air and sun to get at these areas and dry them out regularly.

Don't let mold allergies get the better of you. Fight back!

A Deadly Allergy - Mold And Mold Spores

Think disasters like fire or flood are the only things that can destroy your home? Think again. There may be an enemy growing in the dark, damp places in your house. This enemy may not only be harmful to your family, but may also threaten the life of your home. What is this enemy? mold.

While some species of mold are not harmful, there are some that can be poisonous to your family and close to impossible to eradicate from your home. For those who suffer any type of allergy, mold can compound their allergy symptoms and make them especially miserable.

While most people are sensitive to mold, there are some people who are especially susceptible to the dangers of mold. These groups include the elderly as well as babies and small children. If you find mold growing in your home, you should evacuate these people immediately so they will not suffer any ill effects from the mold.

You may wonder how mold can get into your home. There are actually a variety of reasons mold may begin to grow in your home. These reasons can include water or pipe leaks, floods, or any other circumstances that may cause surfaces in your home to be wet for an extended period of time.

High humidity levels can also promote mold growth. If you notice a musty odor in your home or if you begin to notice either you or any of your family members start to have an increased incidence of sinus or allergy symptoms you might want to have your home checked for mold.

mold is actually a living fungus that consumes the products, such as drywall, in your home for nutrients in order to live. During this process, molds produce organic compounds that are released into the air.

It is these compounds that are responsible for the musty smell associated with mold as well as the allergy type reactions experienced when they are breathed in by humans. symptoms of an allergy to mold can include things such as dizziness, fever and headaches.

Removing mold from your home can be tricky since improper procedure can release mold spores into the air and make your problem worse. It is best to contact professionals to take care of your mold problem. They have the proper equipment and knowledge to clean up the problem without making matters worse. In some cases, parts of your home may have to be gutted and the drywall replaced to get rid of the mold.

In rare cases, homes have had to be burned because the mold problem was so severe it could not be remedied. It is usually best to find alternate lodging while mold is being removed from your home. This can save you the sickness associated with mold spore inhalation.

If you have ever suffered with an allergy, mold may have been responsible for your symptoms. Over a long period of time, exposure to mold can cause life threatening illnesses. People may actually have to abandon their homes while the mold is cleaned out, or the home may have to be gutted and rebuilt in order to get rid of the dangerous substance.

Mold Allergy Remedies - Various Solutions Available For You

Many people are suffering from mold allergy. In fact, people may have their own specific reaction to hem due to its cause. Mold is an organism that grows on spoiled foods like while others would have molds inside their houses by leaving it or its part damp for some time. The problem with molds is they're unhealthy and can cause lots of allergic reactions to people. Just like reactions to pollens, common reactions include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and skin rash. Another problem with mold is they can easily spread across the house. This is why it's important to get mold allergy remedies right away to keep you from getting more serious problem from it. This way you could get relief from its symptoms.

Molds typically grow on foods like cheese and bread when they're past their expiration date. This growth is characterized by greenish to black color right on the food and can be harmful upon intake. So make sure to check your food first for its expiration date before taken. People who are allergic to this organism can cause nasal inflammation while those who have asthma may experience asthma attacks. One of the ways for you to avoid this problem is to keep your house clean to avoid growth of these organisms particularly on areas that have high chances of getting damp. Moreover, asking a physician about the possible treatment options to get is also a good practice to do especially if you've been suffering from this condition for a long time.

You'll find a lot of mold allergy remedies today like shots which will keep your body from reacting with mold exposure. Furthermore, antihistamines are also available at pharmacies so you don't have to rush to your physician just to get it treated. They can be purchased without prescription or you can ask your physician during your checkup for the best antihistamines for you. Nasal sprays which can calm down your nasal passages will be an aid you in breathing easily. If you've noticed there's a mold growth in your home, consult your physician as you won't know if it has caused you any medical issues.

Mold Allergy - The Causes and Symptoms

Mold allergy is not the typical spring time allergy. It's an allergy that's based on the air borne fungal spores or fragments. Since the spores and fragments are very small, they have the ability to bypass the nose tract and reach the lungs. Being microscopic, the foreign particles may be very difficult to avoid and could be common in almost any home or building.

Origin of Molds

Molds grow in places where there are moisture and oxygen. In natural settings, they may thrive on rotting logs, vegetation, and places in shady areas. In the home, they could grow in damp basements, bathrooms, attics, closets, garages, or practically any place that has moisture. The prime locations for mold spores don't necessarily end at the home. Commercial places such as greenhouses, old buildings, bakeries, and industrial factories are a favorite place for mold growth as well. Molds have a ubiquitous nature and it's important that we understand how molds work and where they come from.

There are a number of allergenic fungi that cause allergic reactions in people. The Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cephalosporium are commonly known fungi that fall under the Fungi Imperfecti group. These, specifically the Alternaria and Caldosporium are more prevalent outdoors than indoors. They are common during the autumn season, but sometimes they appear in the spring and summer. Indoors, Aspergillus and Penicillium are relatively persistent throughout the year with little effect from environmental factors.

Airborne isn't the only way that molds can get into the body. Common foods such as mushrooms, dried fruits, and cheese allow molds to be transported into the body. These items carry various types of molds that produce the same type of symptoms found from the airborne form. What are the typical symptoms?

Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to the effects of seasonal allergies from pollen. Typical symptoms include watering of eyes, stuffy nose, wheezing, and asthma. Medical books will call this allergic rhinitis, which is normally associated with seasonal problems and hypersensitivity problems. Studies suggest that allergic rhinitis is similar to cold-like symptoms. The reaction to these molds is not always immediate. It can sometimes be delayed, depending on the severity. With the help of allergy medication, one can treat mold allergies as with other allergies.

A more dangerous form of allergen is "Toxic mold." Toxic mold, or statchybotys, is a deadly form of allergen that can affect children in a negative way. The more common manifestation of this type is black mold . Black mold causes infants and children to suffer skin rashes and other lung damage that can result in death.

In the southern states, foam boards (wall insulation) with no allowance for air space have caused the walls to become wicks for water leaks and floods. As a result, mold spores easily proliferated throughout the house, leaving black mold. The symptom s of black mold allergy include coughing of blood, anemia, wheezing, bloody nose and nausea.

Allergy-causing molds can range from the simple ones found in nature to the dangerous molds created by man-made construction. The effects of these molds can have a severe effect, including mortality. By understanding the causes and effects of mold allergies, one can start pursuing preventative treatments.

How to Handle and Prevent A Mold Allergy

Mold allergy is a respiratory allergy in which your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. This reaction triggers a cascade of reactions that lead to allergy symptoms. Mold is a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. Mold and mold spores are present in the environment all year-round, indoors and outdoors. Although it is more present in warm, humid climates, molds exist throughout the globe. Typically fresh air contains more mold spores than pollen grains.

Mold Allergy symptoms vary from person to person and could be mild or severe. It has the same signs and symptoms that occur in other upper respiratory allergies. Common allergy symptoms are itchy, watery and red eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, skin rashes and hives, sinus headaches and difficulty in breathing. If you are exposed to mold spores, symptoms of asthma may also occur. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Signs and symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

People who are allergic to substances such as pollen or animal dander usually are allergic to molds. People may become allergic to only mold or fungi or they may also have problems with dust mites, pollens and other spores. Farmers, carpenters, loggers and bakers are more exposed to molds and are at greater risk of developing allergies.

To treat this type of allergy, first is you should avoid contact with the spores. Reduce the humidity indoors to prevent fungi from growing. When you are cutting grass, planting of plants, digging around plants, wear a dust mask for protection. Take medications to prevent allergic reactions to worsen. You can find antihistamines and decongestants available over the counter without any prescription. If medications are not sufficient, talk to your doctor about taking allergy shots (immunotherapy). This works for some carefully selected patients.

Actually, allergies are not curable. However, the symptoms can be reduced. During periods when mold count is high, stay indoors. This will minimize the amount of molds you inhale. The amount of airborne spores is likely to change quickly, depending on the weather. Use air cleaners to eliminate spores that could be the cause of mold allergy. Common molds usually build up inside the house especially in bathrooms, basements and laundry areas. Reduce dampness by putting an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom. Repair any plumbing leaks and thoroughly clean sinks and tubs at least once a month.

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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.

How to Prevent Mold Allergy at Home

Common allergens like house dust and pet hair are often overlooked. But they can do more harm in long term than any other disease. House dust has a number of ingredients: tiny fibers from furniture, animal dander, microscopic bits of human skin, food remnants, detergent fragments, and more. house-dust mites, insects too small to be seen by the naked eye, ticks, spiders etc have been the point of research for a lot of allergists. They can live almost anywhere in the house and are found in greatest numbers in beds, furniture, and rugs. Another common allergen is mold spores, especially that of black mold.

Fragments of the mites themselves can be allergens, as can substances found in their droppings. A thorough housecleaning to reduce the amount of dust and the number of mites is essential for anyone with house-dust allergy. Doctors will suspect house-dust allergy if the patient suffers year round symptoms that flare up during spring cleaning or at other times when the amount of dust in the air is increased.

How to prevent mold allergies at home:

1. Regular cleaning for household items: Start with mattresses, box springs, and pillows, which should then be put in dust-proof covers. Mattress should be removed from the bedroom of the allergy sufferer. Floors (and the rest of the room) should be cleaned at least once a week.

2. Keeping the dampness controlled reduces black mold formation: Humidity should be kept low, because house mites grow only when the humidity is more than 20%. packed and ornate furniture should be kept out of the allergic person's room because it traps so much dust. Pets, furs, stuffed animals, and other potential sources of allergens should also be banished from the person's room.

3. Eradicate the molds: Cleaning the house to get rid of molds requires other steps. molds grow readily in the warm, damp atmosphere of bathrooms; these should be kept well ventilated and cleaned thoroughly, with a fungicide if necessary. Damp basements can also be breeding grounds for molds; a dehumidifier can reduce their growth.

4. Clean those bed and pillow covers: Pillows are another potential source, they develop molds with time and usage and hence should be replaced every year or two. You should consider switching to anti allergen pillow covers or bed covers. They provide good protection against molds and other micro allergens. You should also use anti allergen detergents to sanitize the upholstery at home.

5. Clean the AC filters: Air conditioners can have both good and bad effects on allergy patients. If air conditioner filters are not cleaned or replaced regularly, they can collect molds and pollens. But if air conditioners are kept in the recirculating mode so they do not draw in air from outside and if their filters are kept clean, they can reduce the amount of allergens in the air appreciably. If you have allergies to mold, you should make it a point to clean the air conditioner filters frequently.

6. Using Air filters: Electronic air-filtering machines are even more effective. These sophisticated services, based on space-program technology, can remove as much as 99% of airborne pollutants. The most effective are so-called HEPA, or high-energy particulate-arresting, filters. These tend to be expensive, costing about as much as an air conditioner. Some machines combine HEPA and charcoal filters for even greater efficiency.

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!