Showing posts sorted by relevance for query mold allergy testing. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query mold allergy testing. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, 7 January 2011

Mold Allergy in Food - The Cause and the Cure

At first, I never knew that mold allergy can come from food. My mother and I share the same allergy. Damp places, high humidity climate, old clothes or books always give us difficult breathing or other mild asthma symptoms. But when my mother was diagnosed to have the allergy from food, I just realized that there are many kinds of food that use mold in the processing. Who can have this allergy? Do both mold allergy in food and in air always come together? And how to cure it? Keep on reading...

Mold, as well as mildew, is included in the fungi family. They differ from other plants or animal by their unique reproducing methods. Their seeds are called spores. When an allergic patient is inhaling spores, they might have symptoms like sneezing and difficult breathing. Besides in the air, mold can also grow in foods. Although it's only in small percentage, people with respiratory mold allergy can have the same allergy from food too. My mother cannot eat foods that are processed with mold, such as soy sauce, 'tempeh' or fermented cassava, while I don't share the same allergy.

Although not a processed food, peanut can also cause the allergy from the mold alfatoxin, a toxin that can be found in corn, wheat, soy, and sorghum, as well as in peanuts. Other foods that might cause the allergy are mushroom, melon, berries, beer, smoked meats, and some grains, as well as some cheeses, like blue cheese. Other dairy products such as milk is believed to contain alfatoxin if it came from cows that is fed by moldy feed. The most common molds found in food are aspergillus and rhizopus.

So how can we avoid and cure mold allergy from our diet?

Just like any other food allergies, the best way is to stay away from foods you are allergic to. You need to have an allergy testing to confirm exact food products that cause your food allergy, and include those foods into your restricted diet. Some people try organic diet to stay healthier. However, as organic products lack of chemical fungicides, they can be moldy faster than non-organic products.

How to cure ?

Allergy is a body reaction agains a toxic situation. Most of the cases, toxins that cause allergy come to non-natural substance. It happens as well in mold allergy. Therefore, the effort to cure the allergy by pharmaceutical medicines seem not appropriate, as those medicines are also toxic.

The best way to cure this allergy, and any other allergies, would be natural cure. Herbal therapy, homeopathy and acupuncture/acupressure are some of natural medication methods that you can try. Of course, sudden discontinuing of pharmaceutical medication would be unwise either. You should consult your doctor before slowly replacing your treatment with natural substance.

Allergy is a unique disease that we often cannot make disappear, however through a consistent and healthy diet and lifestyle, you can live normally with allergy, or even asthma.

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

Sunday, 2 January 2011

Mold Allergy - How To Get The Help You Need

A mold allergy can be misdiagnosed as being an allergy to a scent or a food. The most common allergy to mold manifests itself as asthma, but people who do have an allergy to mold or mildew can also have watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, a cough or a skin rash. If a person already has asthma, mild exposure to mold can bring on an attack, where as a person without asthma may not even be bothered by it. Small amounts of mold, such as that on a shower curtain, are not serious and will not cause a mold allergy.

If you are exposed to large amounts of mold or mildew, you should take steps to get rid of the source of mold. Some kinds of mold produce mycotoxins and the symptoms of this is much more severe than a mold allergy. Black mold, for example, results from heavy water damage, such as in a flood. You can usually smell the mildew in a home when you first enter it, but for those living there they are so used to it that they don't recognize it as the cause of their mildew allergy.

Moisture and warmth are the two conditions under which mold spores grow at a rapid pace. Even though you may take extra care with cleaning, if some of the water seeps into cracks and crevices, mold can grow in very tiny places and this could be the cause of your mold allergies. Just because you can't see the mold or mildew doesn't mean that it isn't there. Sometimes, you can smell it before you see it and it is them you realize that what you thought was sinus problems could be a mold allergy instead.

To keep your mold allergy to a minimum, you can make sure that you control the level of humidity in your home. The normal level should be below 40% and by using air-conditioners and dehumidifiers you can help prevent mold and mildew from developing. Under ideal circumstances, you should remove carpeting from the bedrooms of your home, or at least from the room of anyone that has a mold or mildew allergy. Foam rubber pillows and mattresses are also breeding grounds for mold and because they are dark, closets are also likely places where you can find mold.

When someone in your home has a mold allergy, it does mean you have to make sure you dry everything before you put it away. Boots and shoes should be thoroughly dried before you put them in the closet and you should use bathroom cleaning products designed to kill mold. An exhaust fan in the kitchen will help moisture from cooking to build up and you should empty the garbage container before it starts to smell. All of these tasks are normal things you can do on a daily basis to help prevent another outbreak of a mold allergy.

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

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Mold Allergy Carries Critical Effects

Mold is inside the air and all folks are exposed to it at times. There are many various types of mold that individuals are exposed to and some persons possess a mold allergy that can make the exposure problematic. Only some on the molds in the environment will create an allergic reaction, and only some men and women will have this reaction to those molds. Mold can have an effect on these men and women at any time on the year, and these people may very well be exposed to these molds on the inside their homes and outside too. Some molds that develop mold allergies are additional prevalent inside the spring and fall.

Those persons who have asthma could possess this allergy that produces the signs or indicators of this issue. To be able to stay clear of the awful signs and signs and symptoms which contain trouble breathing, those who suffer from asthma due to the fact of mold allergy ought to prevent areas exactly where they will come into contact while using mold spores. These mold spores are airborne allergens that impact these men and women. An asthma attack could be a frightening, life threatening knowledge so men and women with this problem should make sure that they know where these spores exist and steer clear of them whenever doable.

Avoiding mold spores and also the mold allergy that they produce isn't often doable, but there are some great medications that will alleviate these signs or symptoms. These signs and signs contain sneezing, coughing, wheezing and other uncomfortable signs of the mold allergy. These signs or signs and symptoms are a reaction of the entire body on the notion that the human body is being attacked by these mold spores that generate the allergy. These signs are the response on the human body to repel these attackers. The signs are meant to expel the allergens through the physique.

A mold allergy needs to be diagnosed with aid from the doctor who will begin by noting particulars from the onset of the indicators. The doctor will possibly ask for some skin and blood tests to offer scientific facts on the patient's ailment. The skin test should be in a position to provide particular information on the presence in the types of allergy experienced by each patient. The physician should be in a position to recommend a treatment for the patient. The therapies for this allergy might be extremely effective for quite a few individuals. There are many medications and remedies that the physician will suggest. The person suffering from mold allergy should be in a position to discover relief from this annoying issue.

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

Friday, 27 May 2011

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.

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Mold Allergy - Symptoms and Prevention

Mold allergy is less common than other allergies. Out of the thousands of types of mold in the environment, only a few dozen can cause allergic reactions that pose a threat to human health. Mold grows in all kinds of climates and thrives both indoors and outdoors; consequently, mold allergy does not have a defined season like pollen allergy does. When microscopic mold spores are inhaled, they often cause allergic rhinitis (hay fever symptoms) by irritating the lining of the nose. They sometimes reach the lungs and cause asthma.

Symptoms of mold allergy include:

  • Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion
  • Chronic cough
  • Itchy, watery and red eyes
  • Skin rashes and hives
  • Sinus headaches
  • Reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing

Certain foods that are processed with mushrooms and dried fruits can aggravate the symptoms of mold allergy. Foods that contain ingredients such as yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar can also upset the body's system and worsen the symptoms.

Who is at greater risk?

People can develop a mold allergy if they or other family members have allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander. However, similar to other allergies, suffering from one type of mold does not necessarily lead to being allergic to all molds since mold spores vary.

People whose occupations regularly expose them to mold are at a greater risk of developing allergies. Farmers, dairymen, loggers, bakers, mill workers, carpenters, greenhouse employees, winemakers and furniture repair persons are often subject to allergic reactions.

Prevention

The chances of getting a mold allergy can be significantly reduced by following these tips:

  • Wear a dust mask when cutting grass, digging around plants, picking up leaves and disturbing plant materials
  • Reduce the humidity indoors to prevent fungi from growing
  • Cluck for mold in your home

Testing

The allergy skin test is the most accurate way of discovering if one is allergic to mold. An alternative is the allergy blood test, which produces the same results as a skin test. The allergy blood test is better suited for people with very sensitive skin, or for people who take medication that may cause inaccurate skin test results.

Treatments

  • Medication Medication for mold related allergy is the same as that of pollens and other inhalant allergies, which consists of bronchodilators, antihistamines,
  • Immunotherapy A series of injections given in gradually increasing dosages can be administered to help treat mold allergy. The injections include extracts of various allergens to help the body develop a tolerance to that allergen.

Sunday, 16 January 2011

Symptoms Of A Mold Allergy

Do you suffer from symptoms of a mold allergy?

Mold is a fungi that grows on expired food and in damp areas. Symptoms of a mold allergy are caused by tiny mold spores that are spread easily in the wind or by indoor air currents. Mold is very resilient and even though its grows well indoors at room temperature it can withstand icy winter temperatures and lie dormant until the spring where it again emerges. There are thousands of different types of mold but only a few dozen are responsible for allergies.

Most often mold is discovered in bathrooms and basements, or other damp places that water has been spilled and not cleaned up. Surface mold is fairly easy to recognize, but hidden mold can be very difficult to find allowing it to grow under cover. Mold forms behind wallpaper, under rugs, floorboards, behind tile and walls. Mold testing can help determine and find these hidden sources of mold before they grow and destroy building materials and cause more health problems.

Symptoms of a mold allergy can include:

* Wheezing or coughing

* Runny or stuffy nose

* Red itchy eyes

* Watery eyes

* Skin rashes

* Sinusitis

*Dermatitis

*Headaches

In recent years toxic mold has become more of a health problem in homes and the workplace. Some molds release gas or liquid that are toxic these are known as mycotoxins and can be responsible for severe health problems especially in the those whose immune systems are weak or have been compromised. If you think you might have mold allergy symptoms or find any type of mold in your house it should be removed as soon as possible before it has time to spread.

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

Monday, 3 January 2011

Mold Allergies - How to Effectively Combat Mold Related Allergies

People who have allergies are also prone to discomfort time and time again. These allergy symptoms, including those of mold allergies, can be present year round. This gets even worse during damp weather conditions.

People who have pollen allergies have a tendency to experience seasonal symptoms. As for mold allergies, these can go on for an entire year if mold issues are not fixed right away.

During the winter months, indoor mold can become a great problem especially since mold can grow inside the house as long as there is enough moisture (in crawl spaces, basement walls or behind bathroom tiles and more). Though mold cannot be detected easily, if you are sensitive to it or you have mold allergies, your body will react and showcase wheezing, coughing, irritated eyes and stuffy nose.

Studies show that everyone can be affected by mold spores. Mold is a type of fungus that can break down animal or plant matter such as wood, leaves, food and dirt. It can be present both inside and outside the house.

However, people with mold allergies have problems with include the triggering of asthma or allergic rhinitis. It can also generate volatile organic compounds or VOCs which can be irritating to the throat, nose and eyes.

As for black mold, it is a type of slow growing mold that can grow only on cotton, paper and wood. For this reason, it is called "toxic black mold". Then again, amidst its name, it is not that poisonous.
Black mold has also been associated for some serious lung problems. Then again, for people who don't have mold allergies, there is also a tendency to develop it. The ones most likely to develop it include small children, infants and the elderly.

Though it can be hard to diagnose mold allergies, it is even harder if the individual has these symptoms and they still don't realize that they have a mold as well as moisture problem at home. It is only when you get rid of the "allergens" such as the mold that you can get better.

Experiencing mold allergies can be a very difficult time. There are even rare cases where mold exposure can result to serious respiratory problems. The symptoms for these include a difficulty in breathing and chest tightness. Some signs of mold allergy include wheezing, runny nose, coughing, irritated throat or eyes and more. When these are being experienced, you can get an allergist to do some skin or blood testing.

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

Monday, 2 January 2012

Mold Allergy Symptoms Are Not Always What You Might Think

A lot of people have mold fungus in in their home and they do not even know it. Worse yet, many of them have mold allergy symptoms that they do not recognize as such. It is actually very common. More houses than you would think have mold and/or fungus. However, just because it is uncommon does not mean it should go unheeded. There are certain kinds of mold which are actually toxic, such as black mold. Other types of mold are just annoying. Still, they can pose certain health risks. That alone makes it important for you to get rid of your mold as soon as you spot it.

Let us take a look at some of the health risks. Some of them are annoying. Some of them are serious. Some of them are down right dangerous. Having mold in your home can cause an excess of headaches and even rashes. More seriously, mold can lead to allergic reactions and allergies, asthma, and painful sinus infections. On the much more serious side, studies have shown that being exposed to mold can lead to pulmonary problems, fibromyalgia, and even cancer.

Naturally, the risks of these mold allergy symptoms are much higher if you have a significant amount of mold in your home. As you might expect, there are some areas of your home which are more given to mold. The basement and the attic are probably the most common, because they tend to be very moist, especially the basement. Padding and carpet pose a risk as well, especially if they are in close proximity to concrete. The areas around your showers and sinks pose a high risk too. You cannot discount the vents for your heating and air conditioning either.

The good news is that you can get rid of fungus and mold without too much hassle. You will have several options at your disposal. The first step, though, is figuring out what kind of mold is in your home. Naturally if you have toxic mold, you want to get rid of it as quickly and safely as possible. It is harder to get rid of but most types are quite simple.

You can test for mold in several ways and this is recommended before you suffer from any of the mold allergy symptoms listed above. Calling in a specialist is always an option. You can also buy a kit yourself. Testing for mold on your own is quite easy. You will be able to find these kits at a variety of local stores.

You have different options for eliminating mold as well. Again, it may be necessary to call in specialists depending on how much mold you have. You can also get rid of it yourself with the help of standard cleaners. Using bleach is probably the most common treatment.

You can also prevent mold from occurring in the first place which is a great way to insure you don't get any of these mold allergy symptoms. Keeping the at risk areas of your home dry can be enormously helpful. The more moisture you have in your home, the more likely you are to get mold.

Friday, 4 March 2011

Mold Allergy Symptoms Are Not Always What You Might Think

A lot of people have mold fungus in in their home and they do not even know it. Worse yet, many of them have mold allergy symptoms that they do not recognize as such. It is actually very common. More houses than you would think have mold and/or fungus. However, just because it is uncommon does not mean it should go unheeded. There are certain kinds of mold which are actually toxic, such as black mold. Other types of mold are just annoying. Still, they can pose certain health risks. That alone makes it important for you to get rid of your mold as soon as you spot it.

Let us take a look at some of the health risks. Some of them are annoying. Some of them are serious. Some of them are down right dangerous. Having mold in your home can cause an excess of headaches and even rashes. More seriously, mold can lead to allergic reactions and allergies, asthma, and painful sinus infections. On the much more serious side, studies have shown that being exposed to mold can lead to pulmonary problems, fibromyalgia, and even cancer.

Naturally, the risks of these mold allergy symptoms are much higher if you have a significant amount of mold in your home. As you might expect, there are some areas of your home which are more given to mold. The basement and the attic are probably the most common, because they tend to be very moist, especially the basement. Padding and carpet pose a risk as well, especially if they are in close proximity to concrete. The areas around your showers and sinks pose a high risk too. You cannot discount the vents for your heating and air conditioning either.

The good news is that you can get rid of fungus and mold without too much hassle. You will have several options at your disposal. The first step, though, is figuring out what kind of mold is in your home. Naturally if you have toxic mold, you want to get rid of it as quickly and safely as possible. It is harder to get rid of but most types are quite simple.

You can test for mold in several ways and this is recommended before you suffer from any of the mold allergy symptoms listed above. Calling in a specialist is always an option. You can also buy a kit yourself. Testing for mold on your own is quite easy. You will be able to find these kits at a variety of local stores.

You have different options for eliminating mold as well. Again, it may be necessary to call in specialists depending on how much mold you have. You can also get rid of it yourself with the help of standard cleaners. Using bleach is probably the most common treatment.

You can also prevent mold from occurring in the first place which is a great way to insure you don't get any of these mold allergy symptoms. Keeping the at risk areas of your home dry can be enormously helpful. The more moisture you have in your home, the more likely you are to get mold.


Sunday, 20 February 2011

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.

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Mold Allergies - How to Effectively Combat Mold Related Allergies

People who have allergies are also prone to discomfort time and time again. These allergy symptoms, including those of mold allergies, can be present year round. This gets even worse during damp weather conditions.

People who have pollen allergies have a tendency to experience seasonal symptoms. As for mold allergies, these can go on for an entire year if mold issues are not fixed right away.

During the winter months, indoor mold can become a great problem especially since mold can grow inside the house as long as there is enough moisture (in crawl spaces, basement walls or behind bathroom tiles and more). Though mold cannot be detected easily, if you are sensitive to it or you have mold allergies, your body will react and showcase wheezing, coughing, irritated eyes and stuffy nose.
Studies show that everyone can be affected by mold spores. Mold is a type of fungus that can break down animal or plant matter such as wood, leaves, food and dirt. It can be present both inside and outside the house.

However, people with mold allergies have problems with include the triggering of asthma or allergic rhinitis. It can also generate volatile organic compounds or VOCs which can be irritating to the throat, nose and eyes.

As for black mold, it is a type of slow growing mold that can grow only on cotton, paper and wood. For this reason, it is called "toxic black mold". Then again, amidst its name, it is not that poisonous.
Black mold has also been associated for some serious lung problems. Then again, for people who don't have mold allergies, there is also a tendency to develop it. The ones most likely to develop it include small children, infants and the elderly.

Though it can be hard to diagnose mold allergies, it is even harder if the individual has these symptoms and they still don't realize that they have a mold as well as moisture problem at home. It is only when you get rid of the "allergens" such as the mold that you can get better.

Experiencing mold allergies can be a very difficult time. There are even rare cases where mold exposure can result to serious respiratory problems. The symptoms for these include a difficulty in breathing and chest tightness. Some signs of mold allergy include wheezing, runny nose, coughing, irritated throat or eyes and more. When these are being experienced, you can get an allergist to do some skin or blood testing.

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Abnormal Allergy Symptoms Could Be Mold Related!


Recently a friend of mine said that she had been diagnosed by her allergist with sensitivities to medicine and several other severe allergic reactions. She responded very well to homeopathic and herbal medicines but found it most important to constantly guard against any source of toxins. Because of this, she requested immediate testing for mold in her home by a professional mold remediation specialist.

When considering a physician for a specific issue like this, it's also a good idea to consider the particular specialty of the doctor. Unless your allergist has training specifically in the areas of environmental health and immunology, he or she may not be sure of the best course to follow to diagnose or treat conditions caused by prolonged exposure to mold. He or she may order the normal allergy tests which usually result in inconclusive results then pursue the general treatment of weekly allergy shots. This may or may not be of help if the problem is mold. There are many different species of mold, and they have different effects on different bodies. The elderly and very young children are the most susceptible to mold spores. mold produces mycotoxins which cannot be seen and enter the body primarily through skin or human airways. Once they have entered your body, they may spread throughout the body causing multiple issues.

There are many different types of diseases that can be caused by many different types of mold, but one of the most interesting of them to me is mycotoxicosis which results from eating food products already contaminated by fungi. There are a plethora of symptoms including fibromyalgia, IBS, respiratory problems, vision problems, night sweats, nose bleeds, memory loss, dirt-like taste in the mouth, anxiety, liver problems, kidney problems, thyroid problems, boils, hair loss, irregular heart beat, etc. which may result from mycotoxicosis. Of course, no one displays them all and certainly not all people who have these symptoms can attribute them to mold, but most people experiencing mycotoxicosis have several from the list.

Just as my friend was careful in choosing her allergist, she was also careful about choosing the company who would perform the mold inspection for her home. She chose one that had been established for many years, who had certifications to prove their qualifications, answered her questions courteously, had good references, and performed her tests efficiently and promptly. Be sure to do your homework to protect your home and body from dangerous toxins.